Big hit to Pakistan Cricket Board before Champions Trophy, England players Banned from participation from Pakistan Super League

In a shocking move made by the England Cricket Board (ECB), the players are reported to be prohibited from playing in franchise league like the Pakistan Super League (PSL), in case if they conflict with the domestic season.

This decision was made by ECB because they believe it will protect the quality of domestic cricket. According to a story on Telegraphthe Indian Premier League (IPL) is an exception from this restriction.

Though some people are worried that elite players will quit playing Test cricket in order to to play in the franchise competition, the ECB on the other hand thinks this move will raise the standard of domestic cricket.

According to a previous report by the Telegraphthe ECB will discontinue giving NOCs to the players for franchise league which will conflict with domestic cricket, unless they have a white-ball contract. On top of all this, ECB will also not allow players to participate in other leagues if they conflict with T20 Blast of The Hundred.

“We need to protect the integrity of our sport and the strength of our competitions in England and Wales as well. This policy gives clarity to players and professional counties around our approach to issuing No Objection Certificates. It will enable us to strike the right balance between supporting players who want to take up opportunities to earn and gain experience, while also protecting the integrity of cricket globally, ensuring we don’t undermine our own ECB competitions, and managing the welfare of centrally contracted England players,” said Rickard Gould, ECB Chief as per Telegraph.

Since franchise leagues are a massive source of income for players, this decision has resulted in the players being in serious trouble. It was feared that several of the England’s top cricketers might skip the domestic season to play T20 league, however the players are in for a difficult time since ECB’s suspension.