Pakistan's NOC rules keep six of seven Pakistani signings out of the NPL

Four NPL franchises signed seven Pakistani players for this season, but only one, Karnali Yaks' Hussain Talat, has been able to play. The Kathmandu Post reports that a late notice from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) asked each player to pay $25,000 to play in Nepal.

Who's affected

• Karnali Yaks signed Pakistan's T20 captain Sahibzada Farhan and Hussain Talat. Farhan arrived in Kathmandu but went back home, even though Karnali were ready to pay. Talat played in Karnali's win over Janakpur.
• Janakpur Bolts signed Iftikhar Ahmed and Hunain Shah. Both reached Kathmandu and sat on the bench against Karnali. "They are still in Kathmandu, but it is certain they will not play for Janakpur," said Janakpur CEO Niroj Khatiwada. They'll stay to train with the younger players, with Janakpur paying their travel and stay but no match fees.
• Chitwan Rhinos signed Usama Mir and Hasan Ali. Neither could join the squad, and Chitwan brought in Tom Taylor and Dan Mousley straight from the airport for their opener against Biratnagar Kings.
• Sudurpaschim Royals couldn't field Haider Ali.
• Kathmandu Gorkhas have also signed a Pakistani player but haven't announced him because of the NOC issue, said their operations head, Shrawan Bahadur Singh.

The NOC

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is the PCB's permission for its players to join leagues abroad. Without one, a Pakistani player can't take the field, whatever the franchise contract says. Under the PCB's rules, players can play in three foreign leagues a year, not counting the Pakistan Super League, and the board can grant, delay or withdraw an NOC.

Franchise owners reportedly said no such payment was needed in the first two seasons, and the Post says the PCB's NOC guide doesn't mention the $25,000 fee.

Paras Khadka, the CAN secretary, told Kantipur on Tuesday that it's up to the franchises: "If the franchises fulfil the rules of PCB, which is essential, Pakistani players can play." He added: "We must respect the rules."

What the franchises want

Franchises say they'll be careful about signing Pakistani players next season. They want CAN to bring in a draft for overseas players to keep spending in check. Khatiwada said agents keep pushing up fees and there are no spending guidelines.