Pak cricketers unhappy with PCB over refusal of permit for Twenty20 exhibition in Toronto

Lahore, May 8 (ANI): Pakistan cricketers, including captain Misbah-ul-Haq and former captain Shahid Afridi, are reportedly unhappy with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the board's refusal to give permission for a Twenty20 exhibition in Toronto on May 12.

The players had reportedly sought permission from Intikhab Alam , former coach and manager who is now a PCB Director, and had received verbal assurance, reports The Express Tribune.

"It has transpired that since none of the players has applied for NOCs in writing from the PCB and they did not submit details of the organisers and the match, the PCB has refused permission," said an official.

Apparently, Misbah, Afridi and the others thought the verbal clearance from Intikhab was enough.

"Even if Intikhab gave them permission verbally, the board can't act without having something in writing. None of the players bothered to seek permission or an NOC in writing from the relevant authorities in the board. How do they expect to get permission then?" he added.

The official added that under existing regulation, no player could confirm his appearance in a match or enter into a deal with any foreign club without taking the PCB into confidence and getting an NOC.

The organisers, meanwhile, are not happy with the situation, as tickets for the match were sold on the basis of these Pakistan stars confirming their appearance.

"The organisers said that tickets were sold because they promoted the participation of Misbah, Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Akmal and Hammad Azam in the match. They even arranged electronic Canadian visas for the players after confirmation from them and they fear if the players don't show up, they could face heavy financial losses," sources said.

A PCB official, however, has said if the players ask for permission in writing now, it can be processed within a few days. (ANI)