Pakistan Premier League: National cricketers join the bandwagon
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) received a huge breakthrough in its bid to launch the Pakistan Premier League (PPL) when various national and international cricketers showed interest in featuring in the planned event.
The PCB, desperate to revive international cricket in Pakistan, is making huge efforts and using all its available resources to make the league a reality. The board, under chairman Zaka Ashraf, is confident that holding the tournament featuring renowned international cricketers will help a in reviving international cricket in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, according to an official close to the matter, following lukewarm response from foreign players after efforts from its officials, the PCB is now taking help from the country’s leading cricketers to use their personal relations and convince players to tour Pakistan.
“A senior member of the team is playing a vital role in this regard,” the official told The Express Tribune. “The cricketer’s representative is also in close touch with the PCB as well as foreign players on the issue. He’s already given a presentation which was impressive and is set to give an important one later this month.”
Jayasuryia, Symonds on board
The official added that the player helped get confirmation from former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya and retired Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds with both agreeing to be part of the league straight away. The name of West Indian legend Brian Lara has already been linked with PPL.
“These players have promised to feature whenever they are invited. This is just the beginning and we are expecting more confirmations. Although these cricketers have passed their prime, their participation will convince other players to come forward. The PCB will also take help from other players who feature on foreign tournaments regularly.”
Meanwhile, according to reports, four companies have shown interest in being associated with the league, a development that has encouraged the PCB. The idea was first floated by former chairman Nasim Ashraf in 2007 but, under Ijaz Butt, the plan was abandoned. However, the success of similar leagues in Bangladesh, Australia and South Africa, after the success of the IPL in India, prompted the board to re-launch its efforts.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 13th, 2012.
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Along with some "have beens", PPL would surely sign some "never weres" too! And surely none of these commenting on the glamour have actually seen the NBA or NFL cheer girls to know that IPL didn't start this concept for sure! Everybody claims to have conceived the idea once someone makes it big!
wonderful effort by pcb
wondrful effort by pcb
It is impossible. Pakistan is not enough secuired for international players like watson, petersen, shakib, gyle...etc. But wish all the best. It can impove pak cricket.
this is a success if the league is taking part outside Pakistan. Pakistan is not really a stable country at the moment and i don't want Pakistan to lose the confidence of other country players just yet. lets play PPL out side Pakistan for a couple years and when things seem better bring the PPL tournament back to Pakistan.
Thanks PCB for the ppl, heys guys why you worried about success of ppl,you know Pakistan is first country who start domestic t20 tournament in 2004 it was success full tournament and on the other hand main thing is security ,which we prove recently that Pakistan is secure country after organised successful Faisal bank t20 cup in Rawalpindi.we can make our ppl more attractive with the magic of world famous singers like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan,Abbrar UK haq,Atif Aslam,Ali Zafar,String,Ammant Ali.............and much more we can compete ipl more efficient than rest of world,Know a days Bollywood is totally depend on Pakistan well known singers.Pakistan Zindabad.
Wonderful News............Thanks for All the cricketers who are coming out side pakistan. Specially Sir Brian Lara..and others too.. WELCOME
go pakistan go........its time 2 show whole world that we are peace nation country and we love cricket as well as others.
@Its (still) Econonmy Stupid:
why....does not IPL features a number of retired players?Should it also be renamed?
@usmanx:
Ignore the advice from Indians. Let's look for hundreds of foreign players with death wish !
v love cricket, wherever it is played. pakistan was supportive for IPL. But india has never been sincere in relations with pakistan.
I think PPL will be successful bcoz cricket fans in pakistan are waiting for cricket where the main thing in this type of tournaments' success is fans' participation. PCB should not copy IPL, bcoz Pakistan have more than india to display to the world. I think we should not expand it, a short but a quality cricket tournamnt will be successful and will assure its existence in the future. Bcoz IPL is more boring one now due to its lengthy schedules.
@Muhammad Usama: lol...TENSPORTS is an Indian channel run by ZEE TV...
Guyz, the idea got formulated in 2000 by lalit modi which was not made to operation since it was ahead of time. ICL was concieved from that idea only by those who refrained themselves from BCCI as they were against its policies. And whether u call IPL a mujra or anything, it hardly makes a difference since its growing year by year. I cn understand that things have changed, people of the world are in need of India and China so this frustration does not make anyone angry in india. IPL is successful because its audiences are mature and market base is huge. People feel safe in India and they love the place. So better shut the mouth and don't speak if there no facts and figures in place.
@ankur anand: IPL was originated to counter ICL, looks like we all have short-term memory problem.
@Blunt!: It was not the BCCI that came with such concept, Originally the idea was initiated by Zee Tv's owner for ICL. And for your information similar concept was tested in the early 80's by an Australian whose name I dont remember right now.
Hence, the phrase, Old Wine new bottle is relevant here.
Let's hope some International cricket is revived in Pakistan.
Please change the "Pakistan Premier League" title as it has confusion with already named National football league (PPL).
@Hamza A. Khan: PPL is about cricket not naked shows or mujras like ipl
the matter has been discussed so widely that i am running short of words just like Electricity :P anyways guys look, We already had a night mare in the Liberty Chowk Lahore. Well very interesting fact is that every body at any platform is criticizing PAKISTAN. I feel this by my heart when they say like this oh PAKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKISTAN?? NO WAY guys in that Attack it was a Pakistani who risked his own life and his name was Mehar Mohammad Khalil , there were Six police men who last their life in the attack. No one remembers that the only thing comes in their mind is PAKISTAN..
Fact is only on stain can spoil your whole dressing.
Pakistan have lot more potential and players as compare to India and Bangladesh, we have world class spinners best fast bowlers and great t20 players. Pakistan put all its effort to market it and I believe the world will see the competitive cricket and take advantage of the pure talent Pakistan can produce with very these resources. Pakistan is safest country in the world! I wish best of luck PCB.
@USMAN u nailed it man :)
I know aces middle east presented to the board, and they have the connections to the cricketers worldwide to pull this off
Good luck to them
if good money is offered players will come if not we can hold the leag in abu dhabi like the 2nd edition of ipl in south africa bcci earned 100s of millions in that league.however hogg hodge and the players in this article r ready to cum any SUCH arrangement would not be required
May Allah bless, help and protect Pakistan and its cricket. Ameen
I have always supported the idea that PCB should come up with INDEPENDENCE CUP every year in the month of August. India and Pakistan should play Five Two Innings 40 Overs ODIs. The venue should not be restricted to Pakistani and Indian grounds. The proposed INDEPENDENCE CUP can be played on neutral venues. That will be a bigger success than IPL.
can i play for ppl.i am from oman.
Whether u guyz agree or disagree, IPL is the flavour of cricket, even pakistani players are Dying to be part if it whether u ppl care or not. IPL is just like hanging out with friends in a nearby bar/club / lounge having beer large screens, food etc and the match gets over in 3 hrs. Who cares about the world when 20% of the worldz population lives in india. We are world by ourselves......dnt need ne1 to support. I wud suggest, PPL should collaboraTe with BPL and it should be called "PBPL"
@Marium -
Firstly, IPL is NOT ONLY about Bollywood, Chear Girls (read glamour). Its basically 2 months of exciting cricket mixed with things above. Do you really think all the international cricketers come here for Glamour? Its not only in IPL, glamour is in every sport these days (NFL,NBA,EPL).. but its only adds value & DOES NOT reduces the game value in any way. In Wonder if these were your view when Pakistani Cricketers featured in the IPL back in 2008..Anyways, Hope you understand.
Also.... you say PCB should make PPL Innovative? Like What? Playing cricket with a Stump instead of Bats? You obviously are not going the change the rules/play-style of the game, SO WHAT INNOVATION?
Dear Indians:
The people of pakistan want to thank you for taking the time to participate in our start-up process through this unsolicited advisory stage. This letter is to let you know that we have selected another advisor. Actually, we learned that there really wasn't an opening for advisor and we are not sure for which position you are applying.
Nevertheless, you were an exceptional advisor and we hope that you will apply for other openings in other countries for which you are always qualified in the future. While you were not selected for the current stage, the interview team did not make this decision lightly. We took it VERY lightly. Your comparison of IPL's innovations to Apple's was both thought provoking and funny. Your future applications will continue to receive thorough review as you have demonstrated resilience to comment.
Again, thank you for taking the time to come to tribune to not meet our interview team. We enjoyed hearing from you and our internal discussions indicated that you have much to offer your next unknowing client. In short, it's not you, it's us. We don't want to hold you from reaching your full potential.
We wish you both personal and professional success in your quest to build institutions in Pakistan in the future. We appreciate your continuous interest in our humble country.
Regards,
from the name of foreign players who are likely to play it looks like vetrans league.
@Marium: "IPL another glammed up bollywood marketable product"
Glammed up is not a negative thing. Anyways it's better than clammed up.
@John: In fact Miandad was absolutely right and It was proven by Indian selectors by dropping him for last couple of years.
I would propose a Joint Venture with Bangladesh pre-existing league. It would serve both financial, political, risk management advantages.
Bangladesh would get some of the world's most exciting players in the format. Pakistan would spread the risk or offer alternative locations for matches if there are security issues. For most Pakistanis, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are their second favorite teams. Pakistani teams and players are always supported by Bangladeshi fans. The joint venture could provide an alternative to IPL but it should be differentiated for more focus on quality cricket. Finally, it would be a wonderful gesture for the two countries to continue the path of healing. Perhaps sri lanka could join as well to make it a talent-rich South Asian League.
we are waiting patienntly for the ppl.
@ stewie: I totally agree with u mate.......and that's y we feel; comparison should not even happen between IPL and PPl since india has a larger area than pakistan with different cultures and communities, since india is a more open and westernised and pakistan is more orthodox. With all due respect to the cultures of both nations, we should stop the comparisons.
@ anukar Anand
Could I disagree with you and comment on how all the fanfare, bollywood glam etc , makes IPL another glammed up bollywood marketable product. For the love of Cricket , PCB please do not follow the IPL example, be innovative!
By the way, it will be interesting to watch how the cheer leaders in PPL are dressed. They obviously have to follow the Islamic dress code. Maybe Pakistan will pioneer the appearance of the worlds first Islamic cheerleader. PPL will be very interesting but for non cricketing reasons.
@ankur anand: The IPL actually derived the idea from American professional sports leagues, like the NFL,NBA,NHL,MLS and MLB.
Having a franchise system isn't new and India wasn't the first country to have a professional sports league with franchises owned individuals or corporations.
Truth is, India is a much larger market than Pakistan because of it's population (and will always be), and that's why the IPL took off faster than the PPL.
@John: There's no competition between our batsmen and yours, but I was responding to an over-whelming narcissistic comment and I think you can agree that if Indian cricket seems strong it's because it has two times more pop. than all other cricketing nations combined.
@geeko
Remember when javed miandad said that IRFAN PATHAN was nothing more than a "Street bowler in pakistan" and all your pakistani batsmen fell like dead flies for his bowling in the following series.. Why don't you guys find one genuine batsman???
Why does it have to be called the "Pakistan Premier League"?Why can't we be original? We could call it something else, like Australia they call their Twenty20 league the "BigBash-league".
We could call it Major League Cricket, or National Cricket League.
I think people in South Asia lack creativity and originality.
The PCB should expand it's vocabulary.
@Blunt!: lol, how revolutionary, if India came up with T20 it would have been something, but they basically just Bollywoodized it, a revolution in India would be to find some genuinely fast bowler, but I don't know how IPL is that majestic, just because its board is wealthy thanks to a 1.2 billion cricket fanatics.
@Blunt!: you can keep that facebook to yourself which hardly has any connection with the event listed above. Well informed sources at PP forum will certainly back my claim that twenty twenty league seed was originally planted by PCB but somehow got late due to unfortunate events.
Our league may lack half naked ladies (cheerleaders), alcohol, night life but where it concerns the most. Cricket. I dont think it will lack any charisma or drama or action.
@Spaniard:
What is it a balloon to make it big? dreaming is good but day dreaming is foolish
Good but very risky move. Security conditions are not much improved and if Nato supply will reopned, suicide bombings can returen to the country and if Taliban directly threaten the players, nobody will ready to come Pakistan. So PCB should keep all these points in mind before officialy launching this event. A broater plan is needed to arrange this event. Enemy will try to sabotage again and if happens again, then consequences will be destrutive.
@Faesal
Even if I BELEIVE you, please know that FACEBOOK was originally claimed as an idea by the winklevoss brothers but whose is the Boss now, well its Mark!
Also as a part of the settlement, you wouldn't even find a mention of winklevoss twins name on facebook anywhere. Similarly, BCCI would pay either PCB or ICC so much in revenues that they would agree to scrap PPL (not really, i'm just kidding here.... I go too far sometimes..LOL)
Thanks!
@jafferyjee
The thing is, BCCI has MONEY, CLOUT & FANBASE!
Whereas Pakistan cannot even guarantee security for foreign players on its soil, lets just forget about money.
I'm resting my assumption on the above 2 factual statements.
Well said! @pervaiz memon:
Will the PPL be as successful as the IPL?
Simple answer: No. Why?
No cheerleaders. No Booze for the foreigners. No beaches for them to lie naked on. No Bollywood celebrities and night life to enjoy. There's a lot to IPL other than the cricket
We should really go through with this and if any hiccups do take place have Abu Dabhi, Dubai and Sharjah as back-up or as a contingency plan B. Also involve Dave Whatmore to promote.
Keep in mind that PPL was supposed to start before crappy ipl. Actual idea of these kind of leagues was of PCB. I'm glad its finally kick started.
can anybody tell me which 4 coporates are interested in PPL ??? i read on wikipedia that Tensports & Geosuper going to broadcast and Bank Alfalah will be title sponsor along with faysal bank...
Excellent stuff,but nothing is done until it is done.Let us see the role of BCCI in this case.
Zaka ashraf is doing his job vary well . this show how a gentleman can brought change .
the senior player is afridi.
good job Zaka ashraf....
@blunt!
contrary to Apple's there is another strategy called Microsoft way of doing things... don't jump in at the start, let others do first and when the market is HOT jump in and catch them up fast and at the end outdo all
...from Microsoft we know how good this strategy has been in over the past few decades.
you r rite @Adil:
@Spaniard -
PPL has not yet started & you're already high on its success?
I wonder why would Dhoni & folks would even want to play in PPL, the amount of money they get back home in IPL could buy a team in PPL. Its really laughable when you guys say we won't take Dhoni & his men, ist being completely oblivious to the obvious fact! Hah!
Just recently we had BPL & now we have PPL.
Sometimes I feel India is like the company Apple, since both have set a revolution is their respective fields.
Apple came out which touch concept & then quickly others( samsung, nokia, motorola etc..) followed suit.
Similarly India came out with IPL (cricket, fun , glamour) & revolutionized T-20 cricket & then lo, other are in a process to just follow-up on the same Model.
But we all Apple is a brand, sophisticated & powerful enough to outdo anyone. Its has virtually NO competetion.
I guess you understand the rest!
Sincerely,
Thanks!
just make the security the first priority, if the common man is secure in Pakistan, then any foreign team or foreigner will come, without any issue. Make your home safe, is the KEY. Only need some sinceare efforts from the Govt , leave the politics behind and do positive things for the country.
Great news. We need not be dependent on India then.
Heard Hanif Mohammad is also interested...Great news
Bravo PCB start with PPL then bring cricket back home...aur han we dont need any BAJAN...DHONI...TED-LOL-KAR and other GHAMBEER make ur own thing and make it big...
Better focus on the security 1st as we dont want the horrible nightmare of Lhr.
this league is aimed to convince international teams to tour pakistan, though it'll be unlikely if teams from south africa, australia, england, west indies, india will tour pakistan in the near future...the tournament's success (if it is) may convince only sri lanka or bangladesh to play in pakistan... it'll be extremely difficult to compete with the bpl's and the big bash's...let alone the mighty ipl...
@ Its (still) Econonmy Stupid first seasonn will be tough for PCB, and BPL also features many oldies in their teams.BPL allowed 5 foreign players for each line-up, so starting something is always difficult. Bringing back International cricket to homeland would be a great achievement. We are happy to see cricket in here whether its UK uni teams or some retired(legends) players. BTW in my opinion 3 outsiders should be allowed to each squad, by doing this out local boys won't be hurt and PPL won't be much costly for the board.
We all sincerely hope for PPL success and that this time it would click in Pakistan favor......................
We should also bring on board our forgotten heroes such as Inzi, M. Yousuf etc. This would be fantastic...
very gud news we dnt need our leaders 2suck up 2india lets show them go on pakistan
Ideal name will be oldtimers cricket league?
can I play in the ppl,if yes them what will i have to do. Contact no.03366632115
Comeon Pakistan!
Chris Gayle, Brad Hogg & Brad Hodge are also willing to come according to some other reliable news resources... :)
thats gud bcz PAKISTANIS r deadly waiting to watch international cricket and international crickets in PAKISTAN'S ground. and finally i will like to thank BRITISH UNIVERSITY for there visit in LAHORE,PAKISTAN.
its a risk worth it but the 60 yr old prestige a.k.a everything of the Pakistani cricket history is at stakes. it will either be ,as it has to be, a hit or a total miss ....the latter shall not be good for the reputation,claims and the say of the nation in the jargon of the cricketing comity ! still lets hope for the best and keep the fingers crossed !
That is really a WONDERFUL news...(if true)...O_o