PCB stops players from participating in Bangla T20 league

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board has stopped its players from signing contracts with clubs in the Bangladesh Twenty20 Premier League, citing the upcoming Test series against England.

Nine Pakistani players were reported to have finalised agreements with clubs in Bangladesh to play in the league that begins from December 26th. But a PCB official confirmed that former captains, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik and Muhammad Hafeez, Abdul Rehman, Imran Farhat had all been told to not sign contracts. "They had sought the permission of the board and they have been told they should not sign any contracts at this stage since there is little time left to prepare for the England series," media manager, Nadeem Sarwar said. He said the board would soon also take a decision on whether to allow Umar Akmal, Wahab Riaz, Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir the other players offered contracts by clubs in the BD league whether to sign contracts. "These players also could be required for Pakistan duty at any time. But the board has not taken a decision on their contracts." Sarwar said that the players required in the Test squad have been told to return to Pakistan with the team next week and attend the preparations for the series against England that begins with the first test from January 16. PTI