The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has implemented a major policy change affecting its players’ participation in international franchise leagues. According to The Telegraph (November 28), the ECB has banned English cricketers from competing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and other global franchise tournaments that clash with England’s domestic season. However, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been granted an exemption.
This move aims to protect the integrity of domestic competitions, including the Vitality Blast and The Hundred, by ensuring English players are available for these key events. The restriction applies specifically to centrally contracted players, prohibiting their participation in overseas leagues that coincide with England’s white-ball tournaments. Notably, the PSL, scheduled from mid-March to mid-April 2025, overlaps with the IPL, which is expected to begin on March 14.
The policy also targets tournaments flagged for potential corruption and prevents players from “double-dipping”—joining multiple leagues simultaneously after being eliminated from one.
Also Read- IPL 2025 Scheduled from March 14 to May 25
While the decision may limit the earning potential of several high-profile English cricketers, the ECB believes it will strengthen domestic cricket in the long run. ECB chief executive Richard Gould highlighted the importance of balancing player opportunities with safeguarding the game’s integrity. “This policy provides clarity for players and counties about our approach to No Objection Certificates,” Gould stated. “It helps us support players seeking global experience while protecting the integrity of cricket worldwide.”
The regulation will affect prominent English players who were slated to participate in the PSL. Meanwhile, stars like Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, and Reece Topley, already secured through the IPL’s recent mega auction in Jeddah, remain unaffected.