Pakistan Cricket Board bans players over unsanctioned Zambia league

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a two-year ban on several former cricketers following their participation in the unsanctioned Asian Legends League in Lusaka, Zambia. The players reportedly participated without securing the required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the PCB.

The tournament, which featured teams like the Pakistan Panthers, Asian Stars, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka, was halted after the Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU) issued a statement clarifying that the league had received no official sanction, approval, or endorsement. As a result of the ZCU's intervention, the event ended abruptly, and organizers were reportedly unable to finalize broadcast agreements.

Several international players and support staff were left stranded in Lusaka while attempting to resolve unpaid travel arrangements and missing payments. Notable former Pakistani players involved in the league included Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, and Zahid Mahmood, though some players withdrew after learning the event was unapproved. Other participants included Imran Nazir, Taufeeq Umar, and Yasir Shah. Some players indicated they had been misled by agents.