Mass retirement by Pakistan players for MCL participation

Several former Pakistan players have formally announced their retirements from international cricket in order to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the Masters Champions League (MCL).

A press release from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that players who wish to participate in the MCL and obtain NOCs to do so have to formally announce their irrevocable retirement from international cricket. 

However, the release, which was put out on Wednesday, stated that such players will be allowed to play domestic cricket according to the rules of the board.

"In view of requests for NOCs from various Pakistan cricket players, it is clarified that PCB will issue NOCs only to those cricketers who have announced and confirmed their irrevocable resignation and retirement from international cricket on behalf of Pakistan in writing to PCB," said the press release.

"Such cricketers will, however, remain eligible to play in domestic cricket as per rules."

Cricketers including Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, Imran Farhat, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Humayun Farhat and Mohammad Khalil had approached the board to obtain NOCs to take part in the MCL.

After the latest directive by the PCB Naved, Farhat and Khalil met the chief operating officer of the board and submitted their retirements in writing.

Former Pakistan batsman Yasir Hameed also formally announced his retirement and stated that he did not understand the purpose behind the move by PCB.

"I don’t mind doing it but I have no idea what is the purpose of it,” Hameed told ESPNCricinfo.

"It’s not like we are getting some retirement benefit from it or any provident funds so that doesn’t make any sense but what can we do.

"I am not selected in PSL, never been considered for national team since 2010, then for us it’s like we are retired already so I have no issue of signing it."

The MCL, which is scheduled to take place between 28th January and 13th February, will directly clash with the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) which will be held between 4th and 23rd February.

The venues for the MCL and the PSL will also clash as the two tournaments are being held in the United Arab Emirates with Dubai and Sharjah as the venues.

© Cricket World 2016