NOC dispute: PCB demands money from CAN, Chitwan fields no Pakistani player

The participation of Pakistani cricketers in the Nepal Premier League has been thrown into uncertainty after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) withheld No Objection Certificates (NOC) for its players.

The PCB sent an email to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) demanding US$25,000 for each NOC within 48 hours. The demand came on the eve of the tournament.

CAN president Chatur Bahadur Chand said the matter is being discussed at the International Cricket Council. He said the move was serious, coming after the franchises had already invested and the players had already arrived in Nepal.

According to Chand, the franchises are now facing the question of how to deal with their investment in Pakistani players. Eight Pakistani players are contracted across various franchises. Karnali Yaks have retained Sahibzada Farhan and Hussain Talat in their squad.

Hasan Ali, Usama Mir and Mohammad Nawaz, who were contracted by Chitwan Rhinos, have not been able to play after failing to receive their NOCs. The team hurriedly brought in England's David Malan, Dan Mousley and Tom Taylor instead.

In their opening match against Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan fielded England players in all four overseas slots, including captain Ravi Bopara. While Bopara was already in Nepal, the other three arrived overnight.