Johannesburg High Court on Sunday (December 28) granted relief to South African cricketer Tabraiz Shamsi in his case against the country’s national cricketing body. The issue pertains to Cricket South Africa (CSA)
denying Shamsi an extension to his No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to play the UAE’s ILT20.
Shamsi pulled out of his SA20 contract with MI Cape Town earlier this year to take up opportunities in overseas T20 leagues, including the ILT20 in the UAE and Australia’s Big Bash League. SA20 accepted the termination of his contract and replaced him. He later joined the Gulf Giants but, according to ESPNcricinfo, faced issues with a limited CSA no-objection certificate, which prompted him to take legal aid.
The High Court ordered CSA to issue Shamsi an extended NOC for the ILT20 until January 4, the date of the league’s final, and ordered the board to pay his legal costs. The report said CSA has also granted him a separate NOC to cover his BBL contract as well.
“I am grateful that the Court recognized the urgency of my situation and granted interim relief,” Shamsi said in a statement issued by his management company, Global Sports Ventures.
“I was reluctant to take this matter to court, but it became necessary to bring certainty and resolve a situation that could not be resolved in any other way. This was never about maximising opportunities, but being able to approach my career in a considered and sustainable way. As a husband and a father, I also had to do what was right for my wife and our young child, and ensure stability for my family alongside the demands of a global cricket career,” he said.
Shamsi had earlier opted out of a central CSA contract, too, citing his eagerness to explore more opportunities in franchise competitions, though he remains available for international cricket.
“Looking ahead, my focus is firmly on cricket. I want to continue performing at the highest level, contributing positively wherever I play, and remaining available to represent South Africa whenever the opportunity arises. I have always taken immense pride in representing South Africa and remain fully committed and available to play for my country whenever called upon. Representing South Africa has been the greatest honour of my professional career,” Shamsi added.
A case like this could have significant implications for the future of the sport, which is seeing increasing clashes between national boards and players hoping to skip domestic cricket for T20 leagues. For example, recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had denied NOCs to most of its players in light of their defeat in the 2025 men’s Asia Cup, and it needed lobbying from Cricket Australia for them to change the stance.
This case has the potential to set a precedent for cricketers around the world to be bolder in challenging their home boards for NOCs — an important document to participate in the leagues — when denied.
