BCCI's U-Turn: Indian board withdraws Yusuf Pathan's NOC for Hong Kong League

New Delhi: Days after Indian all-rounder Yusuf Pathan was given a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play in a T20 event in Hong Kong by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Indian board has taken a U-turn.

According to a report in The Indian Express, the board was forced to take the decision after being approached by more players who expressed their desire to play in other T20 leagues.

Considering BCCI's strict stand of not allowing its players to play in any league which is in competition with the Indian Premier League (IPL), the board earlier took a rare decision by allowing the 34-year-old to play in play in the league, which is scheduled to be held from March 8-12.

The Baroda all-rounder even thanked the board for their decision.

"I firstly want to thank the BCCI and BCA for giving me the NOC. I am really excited about this venture and I think it will be good preparation for the IPL. That is why I signed for it," Yusuf, who plays for KKR in the IPL, told PTI.

Tim Cutler, chief executive of Cricket Hong Hong, too thanked the BCCI for permitting him to play in the league.

"This is amazing news and we are very appreciative of the BCCI in granting this NOC," he said.

"This will go a long way to help the development of the sport in the region and with even more stars still to be announced this is shaping up to be a superb tournament that will be enjoyed by millions across the world," Cutler added.

Pathan was signed by Kowloon Cantons for the tournament's second edition. His team has also got on board the likes of Pakistan's Shahid Afridi and England pacer Tymal Mills, who was part of the recent series against India.