Pakistan players in doubt for Nepal Premier League

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The participation of Pakistan players at the Nepal Premier League has been thrown into uncertainty over a lack of no-objection certificates.

Cricinfo spoke to multiple people involved in the NPL who confirmed that even players previously issued NOCs had been instructed their permission to take part in the league was on hold. Individuals at the NPL also said the PCB required a fee in exchange for the NOCs, believed to be in the region of USD 25,000 for each Pakistan player. However, Cricinfo could not confirm that such a demand has been made in writing to the league.

The NPL involves eight teams and runs from October 26 to November 21 this year. A number of Pakistan players due to play in the tournament are already in Kathmandu, where the games are due to be held. Others who were about to travel are understood to have delayed their plans until the issue is resolved. It is not yet clear, if the fee has become the sticking point or if it has been demanded. The PCB did not immediately respond to Cricinfo's request for comment.

Earlier this year, the PCB announced a new central contract structure that clearly distinguished between white-ball and red-ball cricket. It included what was called format track D, with players in that category designated T20 specialists. In theory, it gave those players the freedom to play in as many T20 leagues as they wished, as long as they did not clash with any international duty the PCB required from them. While the PCB has not publicly declared which track any Pakistan player falls into, or indeed whether the new structure has even come into effect, none of the players involved in the NPL this year are currently part of Pakistan's ODI or Test plans.

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