Following the exhibition matches that involved foreign greats, the reports emerging from the PCB point towards more international cricketers arriving in Pakistan soon. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
The PSL looks set to kick off from March 26 at two different venues in Pakistan – possibly Lahore and Karachi. While refusing to share the names of those foreign players interested in the league, a PCB official confirmed that the interest was there.
“The Bangladesh board doesn’t want to send its national team to Pakistan but some top Bangladesh players have contacted us to become a part of the PSL,” a senior PCB official told The Express Tribune. “Four Indian players are also interested in playing and have already submitted their applications to their board and their IPL franchises to allow them to take part.”
The official added that a maximum of 30 foreign players will be bought to become part of the five-team event with each franchise having the luxury of six players out of which only four can be part of the playing-XI. The rest of the squad, and playing-XI, will comprise local players. The official stressed that only top players will be brought as they want to ensure the standard of the league.
“The event has been kept short to ensure that we attract maximum players and our competition isn’t affected largely due to the IPL,” he claimed.
The board has got a huge boost by roping in former International Cricket Council’s chief executive Haroon Lorgat, whose rapport has been a great help in building connections.
‘Greenidge, Emburey interested in coaching’
The official said that former greats have shown interest in becoming head coaches of the five franchises while former Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson has also indicated that he is thrilled to return to Pakistan.
“West Indian great Gordon Greenidge, John Emburey, Lawson and Alvin Kallicharran all want to work as head coaches as they don’t have any security concerns with travelling to Pakistan,” added the official before confirming that local coaches will be considered for top positions and support staff of the teams as well.
It has also been learnt that the banking sector and corporate houses have shown interest in buying franchises while a Pakistani-American billionaire, thought to be Shahid Khan who also owns an NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars, has shown interest as well.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 12th, 2013.
COMMENTS (27)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
thank you zaka ashraf
I love Pakistan and I am die hard fan of Pakistani cricket but I don't agree with few things and I liked few things about PSL. To be honest T20 suits Pakistan the best, that's how Pakistanis like it and this is what we good at but why have a such a crucial event during the election time? And under Zardari govt. We all know Zardari can sell his mother for money son safety will be an issue here. This event should have waited till Imran Khan comes into power then probably next year we should have had this event.
On Indian players. I think they will be 100 times more welcome in Pakistan than Pakistani ever be welcomed in India.. we all seen that....
Anyways good luck PCB and Zaka.... I be watching all the games for sure...
I wish Pakistan league success but you must now invite any foreigners as the security situation is getting worse by the day.
Besides, there are many talented players in Pakistan who deserve a chance to be seen
If one foreign cricketer is killed,it will hurt the image of Pakistan.
I am Pakistani and say this with pride That India is a great country and Indian people Are wonderful people. I would love to see Indian players in PSL. You guys are welcomed any time.
I am but all surprised at the attitude,wording of comments posted by our neighbor.their perception,mind set says it all.such low mentality just amazes me.On the second hand who asked their view point,why don't they just concentrate on happening there in Dehli.
you must not allow indian players, this is recepie for disaster, you will put other players at risk, leave indians out of this. enjoy your league matches, good luck.
@ss:
they won the world cup ... right?
Do they still want to take part?
This is a suicidal attempt on the part of PCB. Pakistan is not safe. Period. It's going to be a flop show. If it happens at all, it's only going to attract the garbage or antiques, who may find it worth putting their lives at risk.
@Truth aag kyun lag gayee bhai
Kayalee Pulao banaoge to aag to lage gi hee, Maybe Indian players will come driving Agha Waqar's water car to Pakistan
we should have learnt something from what IPL has done to indian cricket :-/
@Ali Hamza
You are right but they (Indians) started it...
oh come on..dont get this discussion into india pakistan war again..have some life @Vishnu @Truth @Khalid
The Indian players who expressed interest in playing in Pakistan are Sachin, Dhoni, Yuvraj and Sehwag.
BruteForc is loling... Vishnu Datta is burning.. Two sisters, two stories....Two Indians, Two extremes.. :D
@Vishnu
aag kyun lag gayee bhai, we wont let them play in final 11 to maintain standard....
Why we would want third class players? We are better of without them.
Put your money where your mouth is Mr. Zaka, Just name one player who contacted you, just one!
I would have "liked and shared" it on Facebook, had the headlines been not something related to "india!" . We really dont care they come or not. they are as important to us as any other foriegn players, not a bit more special. But for now hatsoff to Zaka Ashraf
lol
good to knonw that Shahid Khan is also interested in this league.
what is this?
shahid khan could buy all five franchises!
Take the Indian players who want to play in Pakistan League and keep them. They are no good here.
Great if and when it started finally. But coinciding with IPL is exactly what we should do. Bigger thing is not to attract foreign players but rather taking away some of the audience from IPL, even 10% audience share shift will be big financially and in the long run strategically, as that will bring IPL managers to the table whenever the conditions are suitable. In any case at this time atleast any player who is also involved in IPL will not be interested in PPL. Just going by domestic T20 tournament success we should be confident that professional league will be successful....
Good Work by Zaka Ashraf