PCB vs ECB over IPL vs PSL Ugly Fight inside details leaked

The dispute between the ECB and the PCB over the non-issuance of NOCs to English players in the PSL has taken a new twist. In November 2024, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decided not to issue NOCs to their players across all formats.

The decision was made due to the clash between the Pakistan Super League and the Indian Premier League. PSL 2025 will be held in April and May this year instead of February and March due to ICC Champions Trophy 2025..

The dates of the PSL conflicted with the first rounds of this season’s County Championship, forcing the ECB to make such a decision. The ECB decision forced James Vince to retire from domestic red cricket to be available for the PSL.

Also read: Steve Smith gives shocking news about the availability of tests in Sri Lanka

PCB’s stand on ECB’s decision not to issue NOCs to PSL

According to reports, the PSL franchises were already informed about the unavailability of the four star English players ahead of the PSL draft. The English players were not happy with the decision and were even ready to face their board.

However, the English board has made it clear to the PCB that any further decision regarding the NOCs will be taken only after the completion of the league. The PCB has decided to prioritize its longstanding relationship with the ECB over this dispute.

The PCB has prioritized its long-standing relationship with the ECB over the dispute. Before the PSL draft, the franchises were informed about the unavailability of the four stars. The players were ready to face their plate but England advised Pakistan that even if such a…

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) January 22, 2025

Although it is not clear about these four-star players, they are probably the four best English players. The decision did not sit well with the players and they expressed their concern to the management.

James Vince retires from first-class cricket

Englishman James Vince became the first cricketer from his country to make an important decision in this dispute. The 33-year-old top batsman has retired from first-class cricket to make himself available for the PSL.

Vince was retained by the Karachi Kings before the PSL draft, prompting him to take such a decision. He played 45 matches over the years and scored 1166 runs at an average of 27.76.

James Vince criticizes the ECB

James Vince also criticized his country’s board for favoring the IPL over the PSL. He spoke about the ECB’s decision and claimed that players are frustrated with it which may encourage them to leave red cricket.

“When they first mentioned it, a WhatsApp group of players was created and there was a lot of discussion. The initial feeling was that it would turn people away from red cricket,” Vince told ESPNCricinfo.

“It seemed like it would limit the options. The players were frustrated by that… There were a few things that (we) didn’t understand,” he claimed.

“It’s a big deal that has caused a lot of confusion. It has to be about the relationship between ECB, PCB and BCCI why they came up with that rule,” the 33-year-old added.

This is a big year for Pakistan cricket as they will be hosting an ICC tournament in the form of the Champions Trophy during the February to March period. The upcoming PSL season will start on 7th April 2025. Meanwhile, the IPL 2025 season will start on 21st March.