Lanka tour dates clashing with some Pak players' T20 England league in June

Islamabad, Feb 19 (ANI): Some Pakistani cricketers' desire to play in the Twenty20 league in England in June is reportedly leading to date clashes for the tour to Sri Lanka in June-July.

"These players now want the board to make minor changes to the tour itinerary for which the PCB has agreed to speak to the Sri Lankan board," the Daily Times quoted a source, as saying.

Pakistani players have remained in high demand to play in different foreign T20 leagues, including those held in Australia, England, South Africa and now Bangladesh.

A total of 18 Pakistani players are presently taking part in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), at a time when the domestic cricket season is also being held in the country.

Sindh and Punjab will contest the final of the Pentangular Cup between February 18 and 22, but most of the top players belonging to these provinces are playing in the BPL. Some former Test players have raised questions over the board's policy to allow players to play in foreign T20 leagues at the cost of domestic cricket.

"The PCB doesn't appear to have a clear policy on giving NOCs to players to play in foreign leagues because it is only devaluing the Pentangular Cup by allowing so many players to go and play in the Bangladesh league at the same time," former Test player Basit Ali said.

He pointed out that while board had given NOCs to many players, at same time it had stopped some players from going to Bangladesh.

"It makes no sense at all to me. The PCB has no issues with players earning extra money as long as they don't clash with national commitments. The changes in dates asked for by the players are minor in nature and the Sri Lankan board is yet to confirm the itinerary for the tour," a board official said. (ANI)