The plan to hold the tournament has been in the PCB’s pipeline for the past few years. PHOTO: ZAHOORUL HAQ/EXPRESS/FILE
The Express Tribune has learnt that officials, who were specifically hired for the league, recently met PCB’s caretaker chairman Najam Sethi, who in view of their presentation gave the nod to the idea of reviving the league.
The plan to hold the tournament has been in the PCB’s pipeline for the past few years, but more obvious efforts were seen under suspended chairman Zaka Ashraf, who was desperate to host the league to bring back international cricket to Pakistan.
However, the event, which was scheduled to take place in March-April this year, was postponed indefinitely.
UAE to be considered as possible venue
An official close to the PSL stated that their priority was to schedule the event for next year in February, before the World Twenty20 Championship.
“This league can work as a bail-out project for the PCB, who is facing a dearth of income,” said the official.
“This is why PCB Chairman [Sethi] has shown interest in reviving plans for the league.
“The board has already invested at least Rs20 million, and much of the work has already been done. Around 60 to 80 foreign players showed their desire to participate and they are still on board.”
The PCB faced stiff resistance from the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations that raised security concerns, while players’ bodies from other countries also expressed their reservations.
Now, the league’s main objective under Ashraf – ‘to revive international cricket in the country’ – appears to have changed.
“It is understood by PCB officials that it is impossible to hold a successful league in Pakistan under current circumstances.
“UAE, which is currently a destination for our home series, is being considered for the inaugural edition.”
Meanwhile, the official added that the board was unwilling to announce any such plans until the legal matter that reduces Sethi’s power as PCB chairman is cleared.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 9th, 2013.
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