Pakistan cricketers face two-year PCB ban after playing in ‘unsanctioned’ Zambia T20 league

More than a dozen former Pakistan cricketers could be hit with two-year sanctions after participating in an “unsanctioned” T20 league in Zambia, with the tournament abruptly halted following intervention from the country’s cricket board.

The Asian Legends League in Lusaka attracted several former international players, but the Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU) last week clarified that the competition was “not sanctioned, approved or endorsed” by the country’s official governing body.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) subsequently said it had taken “serious notice” of the participation of its former players and warned that those who took part without the necessary approvals could face disciplinary action.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Mohammad Hafeez, Sohail Tanvir and Umar Akmal were among the players who travelled to Lusaka but ultimately did not play after learning that the required approvals had not come through. Several other former Pakistan cricketers, however, are understood to have participated in matches.

Two-year ban looms for players

The PCB said players found to have participated without the requisite approvals would face two major penalties.

“In light of the above, the following disciplinary measures will be taken on individuals found to have participated in the said unsanctioned event without obtaining the requisite approvals from the PCB,” the board said.

It listed a two-year ban from the issuance of any PCB No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participation in approved overseas cricket leagues or events, as well as ineligibility for any cricketing, coaching, consultancy, mentoring and/or other assignments with the PCB and the PSL for two years.

The PCB added: “The PCB remains fully committed to upholding the ICC regulations and safeguarding the integrity and governance of the game.”

Among the former Pakistan players linked with the tournament are Imran Nazir, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Rahat Ali, Hasan Raza, Yasir Butt and Rana Naeem Anwar. ESPNcricinfo said it had verified that some, though not all, of the players listed in the Pakistan Panthers squad actually participated in matches.

Players reportedly left unpaid

The controversy has deepened with reports that some players and support staff faced difficulties over accommodation, travel arrangements and payments after the tournament ran into trouble.

A player, speaking anonymously to Telecom Asia Network, reportedly said the group had been misled by agents who claimed the competition had ZCU approval. The player said participants returned without receiving the financial rewards they had expected and described the episode as a major setback.

“The situation is a blow for all the players since they had gone there in order to earn some good money which they haven’t obtained, but what they have received instead is a severe punishment from the Pakistan Cricket Board,” the player was quoted as saying.

The tournament featured six teams — Pakistan Panthers, Indian Royals, Sri Lankan Lions, Bangladesh Tigers, Afghanistan Pathans and Asian Stars — with players from several nationalities. ESPNcricinfo reported that Pakistan was the only board to have issued a statement specifically terming its players’ participation a violation and threatening sanctions.

Kamran Akmal has also reportedly urged the PCB to reconsider the punishment, pointing to the participation of players from other countries.

ICC steps up focus on franchise leagues

The controversy comes as the ICC has begun taking a closer look at the rapidly expanding global franchise-league landscape.

At its July annual meetings, the ICC Board approved the creation of a Franchise Leagues Committee, chaired by former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, to address issues surrounding the growth and coordination of franchise cricket.

For the Pakistan players involved in Zambia, however, the immediate concern is the potential two-year loss of access to PCB NOCs and assignments — a punishment that could have significant consequences for former cricketers who continue to rely on playing and cricket-related opportunities for their income.