“Situation is Not Normal” – BCB Seeks Government Approval Before Clearing Stars for PSL 2026

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made government approval a requirement for its players’ participation in the upcoming Pakistan Super League 2026, citing security concerns amid ongoing regional tensions. The tournament is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3.

Six Bangladesh players were earlier granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) after being picked by franchises. These include Mustafizur Rahman and Parvez Hossain Emon (Lahore Qalandars), along with Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Rishad Hossain (Peshawar Zalmi). However, their travel will now depend on a final decision from the government.

BCB cricket operations chairman Nazmul Abedin said the board would rely on official guidance before proceeding. “Of course, we will seek permission from the government before sending our cricketers for the PSL. Under normal circumstances, these things are not required. We provide clearance, they go, play, and return,” he said.

“But since the situation is not normal and there is a risk element concerning the players, obviously we will discuss it with the government. We will seek to know from the government whether it will be safe to travel or not, and based on that government decision, we will have to take the ultimate call on whether the players will go or not,” he added.

Scheduling Impact and NOC Details

If cleared, the players are likely to miss part of Bangladesh’s preparation for their upcoming white-ball series against the New Zealand national cricket team. The series begins in April and includes three ODIs followed by three T20Is in Dhaka and Chattogram.

The BCB has issued partial NOCs to balance franchise commitments and international duties. Mustafizur Rahman has been cleared in two phases, allowing him to feature in the ODI series but not the T20Is. 

Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain are available until April 12, while Parvez Hossain Emon’s clearance runs slightly longer, keeping him in contention for the T20Is.

Bangladesh’s planning remains influenced by their position in the ICC ODI rankings, where they are currently ninth and still in contention for qualification for the next World Cup.