SLPL uncertainty hovers over ‘concerned’ Pakistan players
Fate of foreign participation to be decided after today’s SLC meeting.
KARACHI:
Having already been deprived of action-packed Twenty20 tournaments, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Champions League, uncertainty over the fate of the forthcoming Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) has become a concern for Pakistani players, especially those targeting an international comeback.
As many as 17 Pakistani cricketers are contracted with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to play the league, including former captains Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Yousuf, Younus Khan and Shoaib Malik.
However, the participation of Pakistani players is uncertain following reports that SLPL organisers are considering to exclude all foreign players due to financial constraints and a recent shake-up within the SLC set-up.
Although the SLC’s new interim committee has refuted these reports, it is still undecided over the fate of the league. According to reports, the future of SLPL is likely to be decided today in a meeting between the organisers and the new SLC officials.
However, the uncertainty is a major cause of worry for snubbed Pakistan players, who were eagerly awaiting the event.
“It’s a concern for me,” fast-bowler Mohammad Sami, who recently signed an SLPL contract, told The Express Tribune. “I am looking forward to the league so I am able to participate in an international event.”
Sami, who last played for Pakistan in the Test series against South Africa in the UAE last year, said the event was also an opportunity to impress national selectors.
“We are not getting much action as we do not even have sufficient domestic events. Such competitions also provide a chance to prove your worth,” said the fast bowler, who led Karachi Dolphins to the final of the recently-concluded Super Eight T20 Cup.
Fawad Alam, another discarded player, is also desperately waiting for the outcome of the meeting. “I am hoping for a favourable decision from the SLPL organisers,” said the left-handed batsman.
“It will be a good platform for us — we will gain valuable experience by playing with seasoned players, and it will also hone our skills in the shortest format of the game.”
Explosive top-order batsman Shahzaib Hasan, who has also been out of the international fold since the UAE series last year, believes the event should go ahead as planned. “It’s an important event for players like me,” said Hasan, who has played three one-days and 10 T20 matches for Pakistan.
“SLPL is a new event and we will learn by playing with players we have yet to play with,” added Alam.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 8th, 2011.
Having already been deprived of action-packed Twenty20 tournaments, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Champions League, uncertainty over the fate of the forthcoming Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) has become a concern for Pakistani players, especially those targeting an international comeback.
As many as 17 Pakistani cricketers are contracted with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to play the league, including former captains Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Yousuf, Younus Khan and Shoaib Malik.
However, the participation of Pakistani players is uncertain following reports that SLPL organisers are considering to exclude all foreign players due to financial constraints and a recent shake-up within the SLC set-up.
Although the SLC’s new interim committee has refuted these reports, it is still undecided over the fate of the league. According to reports, the future of SLPL is likely to be decided today in a meeting between the organisers and the new SLC officials.
However, the uncertainty is a major cause of worry for snubbed Pakistan players, who were eagerly awaiting the event.
“It’s a concern for me,” fast-bowler Mohammad Sami, who recently signed an SLPL contract, told The Express Tribune. “I am looking forward to the league so I am able to participate in an international event.”
Sami, who last played for Pakistan in the Test series against South Africa in the UAE last year, said the event was also an opportunity to impress national selectors.
“We are not getting much action as we do not even have sufficient domestic events. Such competitions also provide a chance to prove your worth,” said the fast bowler, who led Karachi Dolphins to the final of the recently-concluded Super Eight T20 Cup.
Fawad Alam, another discarded player, is also desperately waiting for the outcome of the meeting. “I am hoping for a favourable decision from the SLPL organisers,” said the left-handed batsman.
“It will be a good platform for us — we will gain valuable experience by playing with seasoned players, and it will also hone our skills in the shortest format of the game.”
Explosive top-order batsman Shahzaib Hasan, who has also been out of the international fold since the UAE series last year, believes the event should go ahead as planned. “It’s an important event for players like me,” said Hasan, who has played three one-days and 10 T20 matches for Pakistan.
“SLPL is a new event and we will learn by playing with players we have yet to play with,” added Alam.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 8th, 2011.