Bump, set, spike : PVF ready for first-ever pro volleyball league

Preparations almost final for event to take place by end of year.

LAHORE: The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) is adding the finishing touches for the country’s first professional Pakistan Volleyball League which will be held by the end of the year in four cities.

“We have almost finalised the plans for our very own professional league and it is expected to be launched in November or December,” PVF chairman Muhammad Yaqoob told The Express Tribune. “The league will run for around two months with the participation of foreign players.”

Yaqoob was optimistic about at least two foreign players being part of each team. “There will be six to eight teams owned by franchises similar to those in the Pakistan Super League.”

He said that the league will see players participating from nations such as China, Sri Lanka, Iran, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh and other Asian countries. “The players are willing to participate in the league and hopefully we will get good players,” he added.

Yaqoob said that the league is being organised by an event management company and the PVF is coordinating with them. “The organiser has suggested Lahore, Sialkot, Peshawar and Islamabad for league venues, while Karachi is under consideration,” he said.

“The Pakistan team has been improving a bit but needs more matches to get better and this league will not only provide a chance to the national team players but also to the young talent as well,” added the chairman.

He also informed that a talent hunt programme will be launched once the summer ends and camps will be held at in different cities including Narowal, Sialkot, Sahiwal, Bannu, Peshawar and Swat.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2016.

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