BCCI cancels Yusuf Pathan’s NOC of Hong Kong T20 league

Photo: AFP

New Delhi: Yusuf Pathan who was all set to make a mark by becoming the first male Indian cricketer to play in foreign league has now suffered a setback, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has decided to revoke the No Objection Certificate granted to the World Cup winning Indian.

It is speculated that the u-turn from BCCI comes after other Indian players requested BCCI’s permission to play T20 leagues around the world.

"Indian players have a brand name. Indian players playing in league will attract Indian viewers. It would also mean that our sponsors too want to invest in other leagues. That is why we will be not allowing any Indian players to be part of any leagues," an unnamed BCCI official was quoted as saying in the Indian Express report.

Earlier, Indian wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik had expressed his eagerness to play in the Caribbean Premier League but his application was turned down by the Board of Control for Cricket in India