PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The world professional cricketers’ union has warned players against taking part in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), due to start in March, because of the “unmanageable” security risk.
No international cricket has been played in the country since militants attacked the Sri Lankan team bus during a Test match in Lahore in 2009.
Zaka Ashraf, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), said they were ready to offer insurance to any player wishing to tour the country.
“It’s extra security and optional for the players if they want to take it for the satisfaction of their families,” Ashraf told AFP.
“It will be worth two million dollars and above all tax free income for all.”
Ashraf said he was determined to revive home internationals, but the PCB faces a tough challenge. Twice in the past 12 months Bangladesh have agreed to a tour only to dash Pakistani hopes by changing their minds due to security fears.
Players stand to earn between $25,000 and $100,000 for taking part in the two-week tournament under the wage structure the PCB announced on Wednesday.
COMMENTS (18)
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I must say that Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Zaka Ashraf is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to have Foreign Cricketers visit Pakistan. This also acknowledges tha Pakistan is also suffering "Terrorist Attacks by its own Non-State Actors". . This is an Acid Test for Pakistan's Security Services as any repetition of the "Attack on the Sri Lankan Cricket Team" will put paid to Pakistan Tours by the International Cricket Teams. . I wish Pakistan in General and PCB in Particular that they have a "Terrorist Attack Free" PSL Extravaganza. . Cheers
beacuse they fearing of PAKISTAN thats why zaka offered him a some relief understand @Hashem:
@Saad Shaikh:
But it is the PCB who has to pay the premium for the insurance and it's gonna cost a a lot to insure all those players who might come through.......that too in dollars
To all the bashers, I think PCB is doing a great job. I know that money is being throwed to lure players. But there is no harm in it. In IPL players are earning millions so as in big bash and BPL. PCB chairman know that league would be only successful if forgein players take part in it, it could also pave the way for the return of international cricket in the country, in that ragard insurance is a good bargain.
@Syed:
I agree mate. Foreign players are not important. If we allow for foreign players the players we will get wil be unthhankful Afghans and other players from very small cricket nations. It will lead to a "minor league" status. We should stick to local talent.
@Saad Shaikh: You are right patience is the key! not begging.
Incentives has not worked in luring investment nor would it ensure coming of foreign players, right environment and accountibility will.
In the big picture healthy local activity should be the objective, international involvement comes as a result of it.
Wish PCB had taken a case of ensuring that justice is provided to the attackers of sri lankan team.
@Imran:
PCB is getting them insured, insurance is going to pay money not the country! Nice move. PCB is on the right track. Patience is the key to reviving international cricket in Pakistan. The Chairman knows the problems facing the country and that only incentives could bring international cricket back since the elimination of terrorism seems a distant dream.
For starters provide justice to the attackers of Sri Lankan team!
Don't get hung up on 'foreign players' participation. Success of the league depends on how well you organize and market it with or without foreign players. Just the local T20 tournament had full stadiums. Don't underestimate your local talent, we are not BD or even India!. Hold the league successfully for few seasons and when the time is right foreign players will come of their own choice.
Ultimate objective is to have a successful local activity, not involvement of foreign players!
For Godness sake stop begging.
Provide security by acts instead of insurance.
To me its a good move by Zaka Ashraf. You need to put your 100%, rest is in the hands God. I am hopeful for PSL and its results.
Insuring the players means admitting that the venue is not safe for players.........
Why offer the insurance & incentives if the country is 'safe'?
the very fact that your providing insurance cover is an admission that there is a problem. why should any criketeer visit under theese circumstances.
Mr Ashraf ! Players life is more important than money
good to throw away all of our country money like that just to get some stupid cricket here. very good policy. :@
$2 million seems a little low for an international cricketer in this day and age. Anyway the PCB is looking quite desperate now.