Pick players who agree to visit Pakistan: Mushtaq

NCA head coach disapproves practice of paying foreign stars extra for visiting country

National Cricket Academy (NCA) head coach Mushtaq Ahmed has said foreign players participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) should only be picked if they agree to the idea of visiting the country in the next edition.

Mushtaq, while addressing media on Wednesday, said next edition’s draft should only have players who agree to play the Pakistan leg of the league.

“PSL has become a brand now,” said Mushtaq. “Now, only players who agree to visit Pakistan should be drafted in the next edition.”

He added that the practice of paying foreign players extra should be abolished too. “The practice of paying players extra to visit Pakistan should be ended too,” he added. “Players should only be paid the amount promised in the contracts. Franchises paying players extra to come to Pakistan has set a wrong precedent.”

Former Pakistan leggie said PSL will still garner audiences if the foreign players don’t come. “Spectators will still support the PSL even if foreign players opt out of visiting Pakistan.”

On PSL in Pakistan

The final of the second edition of the PSL was held in Lahore and this year three matches were scheduled in the country, two playoffs in Lahore and the landmark final in Karachi, and Mushtaq says more matches should be brought back from the UAE.

“The whole tournament [PSL] has to take place in Pakistan eventually, so the administration should try to hold more matches in the country next year,” he said.

But how do you attract international cricketers to the idea of visiting Pakistan? Mushtaq has an idea: “Former cricketers should be brought in to talk to the players because their word is more important to the foreign players.” 

On West Indies tour of Pakistan

West Indies is scheduled to play three T20Is in Karachi next month and Mushtaq believes Pakistan has the ability to the down the visitors with ease.

“Pakistan T20I team is more balanced and better than West Indies. They will have home ground and crowd advantage too in the series,” he said.

Former Test cricketer said it would also give Pakistan an opportunity to test their new PSL finds.

“(Pakistan head coach Mickey) Arthur and Sarfraz Ahmed’s statements show that talent unearthed from PSL will be given a chance against West Indies. This will give the youngsters confidence and the national team will have a good backup ready too.”