The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has warned that several former Pakistan cricketers who participated in the 20th Asian Legends League in Zambia could face disciplinary action for taking part in what it describes as an unauthorised tournament. The board says players found to have breached International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations by competing without the required clearance may face strict penalties.
In an official statement, the PCB said the Asian Legends League is regarded as an unauthorised event under ICC regulations governing tournament approval and the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players. The board also noted that the Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU), the country’s official cricket governing body, has not approved or endorsed the competition.
The issue gained further attention after the ZCU released its own statement last week, saying the tournament had been organised without its permission, supervision or formal recognition. That announcement raised questions over the event’s regulatory status and prompted the PCB to begin examining the participation of its former players.
More than a dozen retired Pakistan internationals are understood to have signed contracts to play in the competition. According to the PCB, any player found to have participated without obtaining the necessary clearance will face disciplinary proceedings. Those found guilty after the investigation could receive a two-year ban from obtaining NOCs to participate in overseas cricket leagues sanctioned by the PCB.
The proposed sanctions extend beyond restrictions on playing. During the period of suspension, affected individuals would also be barred from serving in any official capacity under the PCB or the Pakistan Super League (PSL), including roles such as coach, mentor, consultant or adviser.
The board reiterated that obtaining the appropriate NOC before participating in overseas tournaments is a mandatory requirement under ICC regulations. Member boards are responsible for ensuring their registered players comply with these rules and are expected to take action against those who compete in unauthorised events. Failure to enforce the regulations could also expose member boards themselves to scrutiny under the ICC’s governance framework.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the PCB has already classified the matter as a potential breach of its regulations. The Asian Legends League began on 30 July and features six teams. Among them is Pakistan Panthers, a side composed entirely of former Pakistan cricketers, which has already played two matches in the tournament.
The competition also includes Indian Royals, Sri Lankan Lions, Bangladesh Tigers, Afghanistan Pathans and Asian Stars. While retired players from several countries have taken part in the event, the PCB is the only national cricket board so far to issue a formal warning that participation by its players may constitute a breach of regulations.
The Pakistan Panthers squad listed on the tournament website includes Sharjeel Khan, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Imran Nazir, Saeed Ajmal, Sohail Tanvir, Yasir Shah, Naveed-ul-Hasan, Mohammad Irfan, Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali, Hasan Raza, Yasir Bhatt and Rana Naeem Anwar. According to ESPNcricinfo, several of those players have already appeared in matches during the competition.
The PCB has not yet announced any immediate suspensions or disciplinary decisions, making it clear that each case will be reviewed individually. The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine whether the former internationals violated ICC regulations and whether the board proceeds with the sanctions outlined in its warning.
