The England Cricket Board’s latest No-objection policy has been the subject of debate. The ECB implemented its latest NOC policy back in November which sparked a massive frustration among England cricketers. Currently, England players require NOC in order to participate in foreign cricket leagues. IPL is exempt from this policy.

As per the policy, the ECB will not grant NOC to players holding red-ball contracts during the English domestic season while players having only white-ball contracts will be permitted as long as the designated franchise league doesn’t clash with The Hundred.

Currently, there is a lack of clarity regarding the NOC as a host of players are poised to take part in the Pakistan Super League which is scheduled to be held in April-May.

Former England cricketer Mark Butcher lashed out at the ECB citing why would the IPL get an exemption as PSL also offers good quality cricket.

On the Wisdenh Cricket Weekly Podcast, he said, "I honestly think the biggest problem with this is the fact that they've said that the IPL doesn't count. I think that's where the big issue comes. Well why? Why is the IPL more special than any of the others. You wouldn't be able to make the case that it's more of a developmental ground for players than any of the other competitions. The PSL is a pretty high standard, so why would that one get an exemption, whereas players are having to make big decisions about whether they play red ball cricket or not just to play in the PSL. That causes a problem for the entire programme.

"I think it's been handled messily, that's the point. If you have one exemption from the rule and the bigger players will be able to go off and do what they want, and they will largely be England contracted players I suppose, who won't be involved in the County Championship, but even so, to have one competition stand aside at the expense of all the others makes it a very difficult argument to make from the ECB's point of view."

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Sports and around the world.