The ECB are poised to block centrally contracted England players from playing in the inaugural Major League Cricket competition.
America's first franchise league of its kind is set to take place at the height of the English cricketing summer from July 13-30 in Dallas.
Emerging T20 franchise leagues have provided fresh opportunities for English players to earn lucrative sums abroad, and the launch of the MLC could have a transformative effect on the growth of the sport Stateside.
But the new six-team tournament could exclude England players completely with Test players competing in the Ashes series against Australia and limited-over specialists facing uncertainty over their involvement.
There is a gap in a hectic cricketing calendar for England's limited-over players to take part, barring the Vitality Blast Finals Day at Edgbaston on July 15.
That means many white ball stars would be available to play in the US tournament, but The Cricketer is now reporting that players signed to a central contract have been told by the ECB that they will not be granted NOCs (No Objection Certificates).
Without the certificates that are usually dished out for other franchise tournaments, England players will not be released and able to sign for a team in the MLC, while there is also no guarantees over whether county cricketers will be able to play.
The ECB's call is said to be based on factors including the desire for the biggest names to compete in the men's Hundred which starts just after the MLB on August 1, as well as keeping players fit and fresh for the 50-over World Cup starting in India in October.
But the move clashes with Professional Cricketers Association (PCA), who are thought to be pushing for players to be released for the MLC just like they are for franchise tournaments such as the Indian and Caribbean Premier Leagues.
England's summer scheduling combined with the ECB's stance is creating a conflict of interest for internationals who now appear likely to miss out on being part of potential cricketing boom in America.
Meanwhile, Liam Plunkett, an England 2019 World Cup winner based in the US, was selected in MLC's first-ever draft event on Sunday, being chosen by the San Fransisco Unicorns.
The 37-year-old will be captained by former Australia star Aaron Finch, who was named alongside South African Quinton de Kock among six marquee overseas players for the competition which gets under way in under four months time.
