PCB bans former Pakistan players for unsanctioned league

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced it will impose two-year bans on former national players who participated in an unsanctioned exhibition tournament in Zambia, the Asian Legends League, without obtaining required approvals. The tournament, which began on July 30 and was scheduled to run until August 10, was abruptly discontinued after just seven matches amid questions about its organization and legitimacy.

The league, featuring six teams of former international stars from Asian nations, was played entirely at the Lotus Sports Club Ground in Lusaka. Its status was thrown into doubt when the Zambia Cricket Union issued a statement on August 4 clarifying that the event was "not sanctioned, approved or endorsed" by the country's official governing body. This triggered a response from the PCB, which stated that any former Pakistan player found to have taken part without a mandatory No Objection Certificate would face disciplinary action.

The PCB's specified penalties include a two-year ban from receiving any PCB NOC for participation in approved overseas leagues and ineligibility for any cricketing, coaching, consultancy, or mentoring assignments with the PCB or the Pakistan...