PCB not to issue NOCs for Ramadan cricket due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic

[MenInG]

PCB not to issue NOCs for Ramadan cricket

Lahore, 4 April 2020:

The Pakistan Cricket Board today said due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, it will not issue NOCs for any cricket during the holy month of Ramadan.

The PCB in a statement said: “We have been approached by some organisers, seeking clarification on the PCB’s NOC policy for Ramadan cricket. At this time it is appropriate we follow our overarching policy which states that organised cricket in Pakistan will remain suspended until normalcy returns to society. In this background, the PCB will not issue any NOCs for Ramadan cricket.

“These are unprecedented, tough and challenging times for the world as all economic and sporting activities have come to a standstill with sole focus being on health and safety of the people. The PCB strongly urges organisers and cricketers to religiously follow all precautionary measures, including remaining indoors, maintaining social distancing and avoiding gatherings.

“The PCB takes the welfare and wellbeing of its staff and cricketers very seriously. It has around 220 professional cricketers on its payroll apart from its staffers. The PCB will ensure that full player salaries continue to be honoured until at least the end of the 2019-2020 financial year. Furthermore, we have put in place systems to ensure that monthly salaries are paid on time and without delay.

“The PCB is monitoring the situation in the country closely as it evolves and will amend its policy when appropriate.”

 

[Saj]

Salaries situation is interesting.

It may be that some players have to take pay cuts which I'm sure they won't be happy about.

 

[Shaddy86]

Salaries situation is interesting.

It may be that some players have to take pay cuts which I'm sure they won't be happy about.

Every single person's income has been affected worldwide, who cares if the players don't make their millions for a few months. Not like they go on to play some leagues to make money. Good decision to not provide any NOCs.

 

[MenInG]

Huge setback for incomes for many cricketers who look forward to these tournaments.

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

Huge setback for incomes for many cricketers who look forward to these tournaments.

Health is more important than money.

 

[MenInG]

Health is more important than money.

True.

Just a little sad to see this very essential part of the cricket calendar in Pakistan being removed.

 

[Savak]

The cricketers are not alone, everyone is facing economic hardship at this time.

 

[sweep_shot]

This is a good decision from PCB.

Cricket should take a backseat until COVID-19 threat is gone.