ECB could deny APL NOCs [Source: AFP]In a significant development, the England and Wales Cricket Board is back in the headlines, as it might deny players the NOCs to take part in the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League. Previously, the board was likely to provide these NOCs, but after backlash, they are reconsidering its stance on the matter.Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi is among the leading figures, asking the board not to allow the players to play in Afghanistan. She was also in the news in 2025 as a leading voice, calling for a boycott of the England-Afghanistan match in the Champions Trophy. England players may not get NOC for APL, reveals ECB chiefAs reported last week, the ECB was looking forward to providing the No Objection Certificates for their stars to feature in the inaugural edition of the Afghanistan Premier League. This was despite their non-existent bilateral ties with the Asians.However, just days after the news broke, England's Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi once again emerged as the biggest critic, asking for the players to "think of the consequences" of playing in Afghanistan. Due to the women's rights violations under the Taliban regime, Antoniazzi has been against any cricketing relations with Afghanistan for a while.Speaking on the APL NOCs, ECB chief Richard Thompson treaded carefully and didn't provide a satisfactory answer at a recent event at Lord's.Also Read: Pakistan England Sri Lanka Tri Series Gets Last Minute Broadcaster After Blackout Fears"At the end of the day, our laws are very clear on restraint of trade. You can't restrain somebody from working somewhere unless you've got good reason," he said as quoted by Cricinfo. "That [APL NOCs] is a whole other issue, and that hasn't come to us yet. But when it does, we will have to consider that very carefully," Thompson added. England's strained relations with ACBFor years, the ECB have been a stern believer in not engaging in any bilateral ties with Afghanistan, due to the aforementioned treatment of women in the country. So far, they have never faced Afghanistan outside any ICC events — only Australia is the other ICC Full Member team to do so.The 2025 Champions Trophy match between the teams was also threatened to be boycotted before England eventually played the match. As things stand, ECB have no clear answers from the NOCs, but APL have already announced that several stars, including Dawid Malan, James Rew, and Asa Tribe, are among the players registered for the draft.The first player draft will take place on October 24, and the tournament will commence on December 27 and will be played through January 16.Also Read: Bhuvneshwar Kumar T20I Record Before India Comeback vs New Zealand
