KATHMANDU, October 26: Pakistan T20I captain Sahibzada Farhan's participation in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3 has come under uncertainty after reports emerged that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had put players' No Objection Certificates (NOCs) on hold.
The development has raised concerns for Karnali Yaks, who signed the Pakistan batter as one of their major overseas additions ahead of the tournament. Reports published on October 25 suggested that several Pakistani cricketers expected to feature in the NPL had been informed that their clearance to participate was temporarily on hold. Some players had reportedly already travelled to Nepal.
The situation has created uncertainty over whether Farhan will be available for Karnali's campaign, particularly with the tournament beginning on October 26.
Why Is the PCB Holding NOCs for Pakistani Players?
The issue centres on the PCB's clearance requirements for Pakistani cricketers participating in overseas franchise leagues.
According to media reports citing sources associated with the NPL, the PCB had reportedly sought a fee of approximately US$25,000 per player for issuing the necessary NOCs.
However, the reported financial demand had not been independently verified through an official written statement, and the PCB had not publicly clarified the reason behind the reported hold at the time of publication.
As a result, the exact circumstances surrounding the clearance issue remain unclear.
Why Farhan's Absence Could Hurt Karnali Yaks
Farhan was expected to be an important part of Karnali Yaks' batting lineup, bringing international experience and an aggressive approach at the top of the order.
The 30-year-old has established himself as one of Pakistan's leading T20 batters and recently took over as the country's full-time T20I captain. His impressive performances in international cricket, including a record-breaking 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, made him one of Karnali's most anticipated overseas signings.
His potential absence would force the franchise to reconsider its batting combination and overseas-player selection. Karnali have also recruited other international players, including David Miller, Hussain Talat, Akbar Ali and Ariful Islam, giving the coaching staff alternative options.
Nevertheless, losing a player of Farhan's calibre just before the start of the competition would be a significant setback for the franchise.
Will Sahibzada Farhan Play in NPL 2026?
As of October 26, there was no confirmed official announcement establishing that Farhan had withdrawn from the tournament or had been formally instructed to return to Pakistan.
His participation remained dependent on the resolution of the NOC issue and confirmation from the PCB.
Karnali Yaks and the NPL organisers will need formal clarification before his availability can be established. Until then, reports of his possible absence should be treated as unconfirmed rather than a completed withdrawal.
The third edition of the Nepal Premier League runs from October 26 to November 21, with all matches scheduled at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
For Karnali Yaks, the immediate priority will be securing clarity over their overseas players' availability as they begin their Season 3 campaign.
The situation surrounding Sahibzada Farhan remains developing, and his participation in the NPL will depend on the PCB's final decision regarding his clearance.