The Nepal Premier League (NPL) is in deep waters just before the tournament kicks-off with the participation of Pakistani cricketers now doubtful. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), headed by Mohsin Naqvi, has reportedly come under scrutiny over an alleged demand for $25,000 per player to grant permission to participate in the Nepal Premier League.

PCB’s alleged demand has put several Pakistani stars in a difficult position, with some already in Nepal and others waiting to travel. The biggest concern is that even players who had received permission earlier have reportedly been told that their NOCs are now on hold. Earlier, 2 results in 1 match: England 'win', shake hands, then lose to Pakistan in Shadab Khan-starrer ODI thriller.

PCB’s $25,000 NOC demand sparks fresh controversy ahead of Nepal Premier League

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, people associated with the Nepal Premier League (NPL) have raised concerns over the Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) alleged fee demand.

The report could not confirm whether the PCB had formally asked for the money in writing. It is also not clear whether the reported payment issue is the main reason for the delay in granting permission to the Pakistan players to play in Nepal’s franchise league.

The eight-team tournament is scheduled to be held from October 26 to November 21, with Kathmandu hosting the matches. Amid this, Pakistan remove Saim Ayub from ODI squad, name Sahibzada Farhan as replacement.

Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan Ali among Pakistan stars facing uncertainty over NPL participation

Several Pakistan players are expected to feature in the competition, including T20 captain Sahibzada Farhan, Haider Ali, Hunain Shah, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, and Usama Mir. Their availability is now uncertain and depends on PCB’s final approval.

Interestingly, none of these players are part of Pakistan's current Test or ODI plans for a period that clashes with the NPL. Pakistan also has no immediate T20I assignment scheduled. This means that, based on the current international calendar, there is no obvious clash with national team duties.

The PCB had also introduced a new central contract system earlier this year, with separate arrangements for red-ball and white-ball players. One category, known as Format Track D, was designed for T20 specialists and was expected to give them more freedom to play in franchise leagues, provided they remained available for international duties when required.

PCB puts NOCs on hold ahead of Nepal Premier League

However, the board has not publicly explained which players fall under each category or confirmed whether the new system has been fully implemented. As a result, it remains uncertain how the new rules apply to the Pakistani cricketers signed up for the Nepal Premier League.

The situation has left the NPL organizers waiting for clarity at a crucial time. While the reported $25,000 fee has left many shocked, PCB has not reacted to the reports. So, the Pakistani players' participation remains uncertain presently. With the NPL due to kick off on October 26, there is little time for both sides to sort this out and get players back on the field as planned.