Umar Akmal Slams PCB Over NOC Denial, Hints at Legal Action for ‘Unjust Treatment’
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Umar Akmal has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for repeatedly denying him a No Objection Certificate (NOC), preventing him from participating in international franchise leagues. The 35-year-old, once a mainstay in Pakistan’s white-ball sides, expressed his deep frustration over what he termed as “unjust and unexplained” treatment by the board.
Speaking to reporters during a recent media interaction, Akmal didn’t hold back, highlighting how he had previously prioritized playing for Pakistan over several financially rewarding T20 leagues. “International cricket has always been my top priority. I gave up major leagues to serve Pakistan. But today, I regret those decisions because I never imagined I’d be treated like this,” he lamented. “I don’t understand the reason behind it, nor who in the PCB thinks I shouldn’t be playing cricket.”
Akmal also raised the issue of perceived double standards within the board. “There are players who seriously damaged Pakistan’s image and were punished for it, yet they are now key members of the national team,” he said, pointing out what he views as inconsistency in how disciplinary matters are handled.
The cricketer recalled a previous NOC-related dispute that left him financially crippled. He revealed that despite applying in advance for a league window from the 12th to the 25th of the month, the NOC was only issued on the night of the 20th — effectively sabotaging his contract. “After that, it was a very difficult decision for me. The way my contract was ruined is extremely unfair,” Akmal said.
Currently, Akmal has applied for an NOC to play in a Switzerland-based ICC-approved league, but once again, his request remains unprocessed. “If I’m going to play in a league, it’s ICC-approved. If it weren’t, why would I even apply? What hurts me the most is that the people in the PCB who have the authority are former cricketers — and for them to act like this is deeply shameful.”
Akmal further hinted at taking legal steps if the situation doesn’t improve. He stressed that he is still in playing shape and wants to continue his career either with or without PCB’s blessings. “Right now, I’m not that old — my age is such that I still have time. I can’t just shoot myself if I’m not getting to play for Pakistan,” he said. “There are players older than me who are still in the team and playing in leagues. They’re getting NOCs, but I’m not.”
“If I come forward with proof in front of the media, then the public can judge for themselves. That would give me some peace,” he added, issuing a veiled warning to PCB officials.
Despite being out of Pakistan’s national squad since 2019, Umar Akmal remains an active figure in franchise cricket. He has featured in leagues like the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and the now-defunct Champions League T20. His T20I record includes 84 matches with 1,690 runs at a strike rate of 122.73, alongside 5,839 runs in 279 T20s overall, with 34 half-centuries and a century to his name.
With the PCB yet to respond publicly to Akmal’s claims, the saga could soon escalate into a legal and media battle — one that sheds light on deeper issues within the cricketing system’s administrative processes.
