New Delhi, August 9: Several former Pakistani cricketers have returned from an unrecognized T20 league in Zambia, only to face a two-year ban imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Reports indicate that these players did not receive full payment for their participation.
The players had traveled to Lusaka to take part in the Asian Legends League, which was promoted last month. Notable names included former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal, and all-rounder Sohail Tanveer. Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu was also initially set to participate but left Zambia without playing any matches after learning the tournament lacked official approval.
The Lusaka T20 League was scheduled to start on August 2, featuring teams like Asian Stars, Pakistan Panthers, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. A source close to the players revealed that Hafeez, Akmal, Tanveer, and Zahid Mahmood inquired about the tournament after discovering it had not been sanctioned by the Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU).
Upon realizing the lack of approval, several players, including Rayudu, decided to return without participating. Reports suggest that many international players and their support staff were stranded in Lusaka while trying to resolve issues related to their travel arrangements. This situation has prompted calls for a joint investigation by various cricket boards.
Among the former Pakistani players who participated in some matches were Imran Nazir, Taufiq Umar, Yasir Shah, Hasan Raza, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan, Yasir Butt, Abrar Hussain, and Rana Anwar. The tournament was abruptly halted due to ZCU’s intervention, and it was reported that the organizers failed to finalize a broadcast deal.
Following the participation of these players in the Asian Legends League, the PCB imposed a two-year ban for not obtaining the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the board.
One player admitted that participating in the tournament was a mistake, stating that agents misled the group. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the player told Telecom Asia Network that agents had assured them of ZCU approval and promised substantial payments. However, he faced embarrassment when the hotel denied him a room due to non-payment, leading to further complications at the airport.
“This situation is a shock for all players, as they went there to earn good money, only to face severe penalties from the PCB,” the player said.
Sources indicate that the penalized players wish to collectively appeal for forgiveness from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, as cricket remains their primary source of income, and a two-year ban could lead to significant financial hardship.
Akmal has publicly supported his fellow players, urging the PCB to reconsider the penalties. He noted on social media that players from India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan also participated in the event without facing bans, and the PCB should rethink its decision, as players’ livelihoods depend on cricket.
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