In an unexpected twist of events that can only be described as a stroke of sheer misfortune, Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Haris found himself flying back home from Bangladesh without participating in the much-anticipated Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The promising Pakistan batter’s excitement to play in the BPL was abruptly cut short after his No Objection Certificate (NOC) was revoked, leaving him unable to partake in the tournament, a situation he learned about only upon his arrival in the country.
Mohammad Haris, who was slated to feature in the 2024 edition of the BPL for the Chattogram Challengers, had his dreams of showcasing his talent in another franchise league dashed by administrative technicalities. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has a policy that limits its players to appearing in a maximum of two foreign leagues in addition to their obligations to Pakistan’s own cricketing franchise—the Pakistan Super League (PSL). For Haris, playing for Chattogram would have been an infringement on this policy as it would’ve been his third overseas commitment within the stipulated period.
From July 2023 to July 2024, Haris, an emerging star in Pakistan’s cricket panorama, had already featured in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and the Global T20 Canada. He donned the jerseys of B-Love Kandy and Surrey Jaguars respectively, fulfilling his quota for the year.
Haris expressed his disappointment over the incident through his Instagram story. The young batter extended his thanks to his BPL franchise and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for their support in arranging his return to Pakistan. He communicated to his followers and fans, “Thank you, Chattogram team management and the BCB for taking care of me and giving me this opportunity. I also flew in on time to prepare myself to give some great games to my fans in Bangladesh. Unfortunately, my NOC was not issued. Hence, I will not play any games. I knew my team needed me. Hopefully, I will join them next year. I will definitely miss playing the BPL,” as reported by ESPNCricinfo.
The setback for Haris stands in contrast to the fortunes of some of his compatriots, such as Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman, who all received their NOCs to participate in both ILT20 and BPL. Shaheen Afridi, in particular, is confirmed to take part in the ILT20, where he will play for the Desert Vipers alongside other Pakistani players Mohammad Amir and Azam Khan.
This occurrence highlights the delicate balance that cricket boards globally have to maintain between allowing players exposure to multiple leagues for their personal and professional development, and safeguarding national interests and player workload. The PCB’s limitations on player participation in overseas leagues are a testament to the board’s effort in conserving their talent for national duties, most notably for the PSL.
On a similar note, the Pakistani cricket scene has recently been abuzz with news that may reflect on Haris’ future participation and possible redemption in international games. Pakistan experienced a 1-4 defeat in a five-match T20 series against New Zealand. This loss could represent an opportunity for players like Haris to step up and fill gaps in the national team, provided they navigate the complex network of cricket board policies and NOC issuances.
For now, Mohammad Haris is left to ponder what could have been a significant step in his rising cricket career. The inevitable question looms large: Could the BPL have served as a launching pad for him to cement his place as a mainstay in the Pakistani batting lineup? We may never know. Despite the setback, the young cricketer’s resolve appears unshaken, showcasing a maturity beyond his years and the determination to take the field with vigor when the next opportunity presents itself.
