PCB Says No to Cricket During Holy Month of Ramadan, Denies Pay Cut For Pakistan Cricketers Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday said due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, it will not issue NOCs for any cricket during the holy month of Ramadan. Following Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) footsteps, the PCB has also decided not to cut the salaries of their cricketers amid the Coronavirus crisis.

The PCB in a statement said: “We have been approached by some organisers, seeking clarification on the PCB’s NOC policy for Ramadan cricket. At this time it is appropriate we follow our overarching policy which states that organised cricket in Pakistan will remain suspended until normalcy returns to society. In this background, the PCB will not issue any NOCs for Ramadan cricket.

“These are unprecedented, tough and challenging times for the world as all economic and sporting activities have come to a standstill with sole focus being on health and safety of the people. The PCB strongly urges organisers and cricketers to religiously follow all precautionary measures, including remaining indoors, maintaining social distancing and avoiding gatherings.

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Reacting to the current situation, a PCB official said that while the whole scenario is being closely monitored, there will be no pay cuts in the current financial year which runs till June 30 for the Pakistan board.

“Our financial year runs from July 1 to June 30. All player contracts (central and domestic) are till 30 June. There will be no salary cuts in the 2019-20 financial year. We have put in place systems to ensure that monthly salaries are paid on time and without delay. The PCB is monitoring the situation in the country closely as it evolves and will amend its policy when appropriate,” the official said.

“The PCB is monitoring the situation in the country closely as it evolves and will amend its policy when appropriate.”

Meanwhile, England cricketers, both male and female, who have a central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), have agreed to take a voluntary salary reduction for the next three months in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Professional Cricketers’ Association has announced that men’s centrally contracted players will donate 500,000 pounds to the ECB and selected good causes, the equivalent to a 20 per cent pay cut for the