PCB Threatens Sanctions Over Unauthorised Asian Legends League

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has initiated preparations to take strict disciplinary action against several former national cricketers for participating in the unsanctioned ’20th Asian Legends League’ held in Zambia.

According to an official statement, the PCB designated the tournament an unauthorised competition under International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations governing event approval and No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The governing body for cricket in the host nation, the Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU), also distanced itself from the event. The ZCU issued a public statement clarifying that the league was organized without its approval, oversight, or administrative support.

More than a dozen former Pakistani international players signed contracts to feature in the tournament, which commenced on 30 July. Under ICC rules, players must obtain an official NOC from their respective home boards before participating in overseas domestic or exhibition leagues. Member boards are mandated to enforce compliance and penalize individuals taking part in unapproved tournaments to maintain governance standards across the global game. Failure to enforce these regulations risks regulatory scrutiny for the member board itself.

The PCB warned that players found guilty of participating without valid clearance face a two-year ban. During this suspension, offenders will be ineligible to receive NOCs to play in foreign leagues sanctioned by the board. Furthermore, banned individuals will be barred from holding any official roles—including acting as coaches, mentors, commentators, or consultants—with the PCB or within the Pakistan Super League (PSL) ecosystem.

Reports from ESPNcricinfo indicate that the PCB is treating the participation as a serious breach of player conduct and regulatory frameworks. Six teams are competing in the tournament: Pakistan Panthers, Indian Royals, Sri Lankan Lions, Bangladesh Tigers, Afghanistan Pathans, and Asian Stars. The Pakistan Panthers squad consists entirely of former Pakistani players and has already featured in two matches.

Although former cricketers from various nations are participating in the league, the PCB remains the only member board to date to issue a formal warning and announce pending disciplinary actions.

As listed on the league’s official website, the Pakistan Panthers roster includes Sharjeel Khan, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Umran Akmal, Imran Nazir, Saeed Ajmal, Sohail Tanvir, Yasir Shah, Naved-ul-Hasan, Mohammad Irfan, Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali, Hasan Raza, Yasir Bhat, and Rana Naved Anwer. Reports confirm that several of these players have already taken to the field, prompting the board to consider formal hearings in the coming weeks.