The England and Wales Cricket Board has introduced new rules to limit the participation of its players in overseas franchise leagues, including the Pakistan Super League. This decision looks to protect the quality of domestic cricket during the English summer.

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However, one notable exception remains—the Indian Premier League, which players can still join even if it overlaps with England’s domestic schedule. This move may impact the earning potential of English players, especially those who participate in multiple leagues.

At the same time, it raises questions about the balance between supporting international leagues and preserving England’s domestic competitions.

What is the ECB’s new policy?

The ECB has decided to stop granting No Objection Certificates for franchise tournaments that clash with the English cricket season. The restrictions apply to all competitions overlapping with events like the T20 Blast and The Hundred.

Players who have white-ball-only contracts are an exception, allowing them limited participation. Another part of the policy bars players from participating in tournaments suspected of corruption or switching between overlapping competitions. These rules were finalized during a recent ECB board meeting.

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Why is the IPL an exception?

The IPL remains an exception despite its overlap with the English summer. Since 2008, England has allowed players to skip early-season domestic cricket to participate in the IPL.

As the world’s most lucrative league, it continues to draw players like Jason Roy and Alex Hales, who have also played in other international tournaments. Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, defended the decision, saying, “This policy gives clarity to players and professional counties… It helps strike the right balance between allowing players to earn while protecting the integrity of our own competitions.”

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How does this impact players?

Players now face a difficult choice between earning through global leagues or committing to English domestic cricket. For instance, Saqib Mahmood, under a white-ball contract with Lancashire, could still join the PSL under these rules.

The PSL, scheduled for April 2024, comes at a time when English domestic competitions are in full swing. Without these new measures, the ECB feared a large exodus of players to leagues like the PSL, Major League Cricket, and the Caribbean Premier League.