The third season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) kicked off today amidst a swirling controversy, as reports emerged that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is allegedly demanding a substantial fee of USD 25,000 for each Pakistani player's No-Objection Certificate (NOC). This eleventh-hour development has reportedly halted the participation of several prominent Pakistani cricketers who were slated to feature in the tournament, raising serious questions about their immediate involvement. PCB Set To Launch Six-Over-a-Side Franchise League Named 'PSL Sixes'.

Sources associated with the Nepal Premier League have indicated that the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB has put previously issued NOCs on hold, making their availability conditional on the payment of this fee. While the NPL sources claim this demand has been made, it could not be independently confirmed whether the PCB formally communicated this in writing.

Affected Players and Teams

The uncertainty directly impacts a number of high-profile Pakistani cricketers, some of whom had already arrived in Kathmandu or delayed their travel plans. These players are currently unable to take to the field without the necessary clearance from their national board.

Key Pakistani players reportedly affected include:

• Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan T20I captain) – Signed by Karnali Yaks
• Haider Ali – Signed by Sudurpaschim Royals
• Hunain Shah – Signed by Janakpur Bolts
• Hussain Talat – Signed by Karnali Yaks
• Iftikhar Ahmed – Signed by Janakpur Bolts
• Hasan Ali
• Usama Mir – Signed by Chitwan Rhinos

NPL Season 3 Details

The Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3 commenced today, October 26, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on November 21, 2026. The tournament features eight teams competing in 32 matches, all to be played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu.

Opening Fixtures (October 26-27, 2026, all times Nepal Standard Time (NPT))

Date	Match	Time (NPT)	Venue
Mon, Oct 26, 2026	Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals	5:00 PM	Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Tue, Oct 27, 2026	Biratnagar Kings vs Chitwan Rhinos	12:30 PM	Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Tue, Oct 27, 2026	Karnali Yaks vs Janakpur Bolts	5:00 PM	Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

Although the NPL schedule (October 26 - November 21, 2026) overlaps with Pakistan's international commitments, such as an ongoing ODI tri-series (until October 31) and a Test series (November 9-21) against Sri Lanka, none of the affected players are currently part of Pakistan's squads for these overlapping national duties. PCB Snubs Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain for ODI Tri-Series 2026 Commentary Duties Following Imran Khan Interview Row: Report.

PCB's Stance on Foreign Leagues

This is not the first instance of the PCB reportedly demanding fees for NOCs for players participating in overseas leagues. Earlier this year, similar allegations surfaced regarding Pakistani players in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA. At that time, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reportedly defended the board's right to request such payments, viewing it as a revenue stream. The PCB has yet to issue an official statement specifically addressing the NPL controversy.

The ongoing standoff places both the players and the Nepal Premier League organizers in a precarious position, as the tournament begins without a clear resolution for the Pakistani contingent.