Bangladesh Cricket Board Backstabs Mohsin Naqvi, PSL Trip Hung After NOCs

Bangladesh Cricket Team and Mohsin Naqvi [Source: X]

The Pakistan Super League 2026 is all set to begin on March 26. However, a sudden interruption from Bangladesh Cricket Board has caused a hindrance to the participation of players in the league.

For the unaware, six Bangladesh cricketers are set to participate in PSL 2026, where they were selected via pre-signings and auctions. However, the BCB have decided to put a hold on their travel before they can officially leave for the tournament.

Earlier, the BCB had been fairly understanding with their no-objection certificate policies, allowing partial NOCs for players to play in Pakistan while also safeguarding their international commitments during the PSL 2026 window.

However, in light of recent developments, the board has now decided to seek government approval before allowing players to travel to the host country.

Why BCB Is Not Allowing Players To Travel For PSL 2026?

This hindrance mainly stems from security concerns arising from tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. For the unaware, these two nations have been involved in escalating conflict, with reports of Pakistan bombing several civilian and army sites in Kabul emerging in recent news.

This situation raises safety concerns regarding travel to the country, making the decision more sensitive for the Aminul Islam Bulbul-led cricket board.

Also Read: Ex-Bollywood Sensation Atif Aslam To Rock PSL 2026 Anthem As Lead Singer

Government To Have Final Word On Pakistan Travel

Now, with just a week remaining before the the tournament, BCB cricket operations chairman Nazmul Abedin told Cricbuzz that players will be allowed to travel only after receiving clearance from the government.

He further insisted that only after the Bangladesh government's assessment of safety conditions will a final decision be made.

"Of course, we will seek permission from the government before sending our cricketers for the PSL. Under normal circumstances, these things are not required. We provide clearance, they go, play, and return.

But since the situation is not normal and there is a risk element concerning the players, obviously, we will discuss it with the government," Nazmul Abedin said on Thursday.

"We will seek to know from the government whether it will be safe to travel or not, and based on that government decision, we will have to take the ultimate call on whether the players will go or not," he said.

NOCs For Players Remain Valid

Nevertheless, the NOCs are still valid, as Nazmul added that players can travel if the government grants approval.

Bangladeshi cricketers Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, and Rishad Hossain have been granted partial NOCs by the BCB to play until May 3.

"Because it is not actually possible for us to understand the situation there. It is possible for the government to know. The government will know, and if the government tells us that it is safe to go and the players can travel, then the players will go.

But, in principle, we have decided that we will give the NOC and they will go to play. But it depends on the situation at that time," Nazmul added.

Bangladesh Players Set To Miss New Zealand Series?

However, even if the players receive government clearance, they are likely to miss the preparatory camp for the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand, scheduled from the last week of March.

The ODIs will be played on April 17, 20, and 23, followed by a three-match T20I series on April 27, 29, and May 2, marking the unavailability of these players if they participate in PSL 2026.

Also Read: PSL 2026 To Get Postponed? Mohsin Naqvi's PCB Breaks Silence