Imran Khan-backed cricket league given NOC

PCB clears way for ‘Peace for Pakistan’ tournament across the country.

KARACHI: Former captain Imran Khan’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been given the green signal by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to organise a Twenty20 cricket league next month.

According to an official working with the Insaf Sports and Culture Forum, the league is expected to take place in five cricketing centres of the country including Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar.

The league named ‘Love Pakistan Peace Cricket League 2014’ is expected to start on May 3 and end on May 18.

Some legendary cricketers have reportedly given their consent for visiting Pakistan during the league.

Imran has spoken to some of the leading players of his era, including West Indies legend Vivian Richards and former India captain Ravi Shastri. The duo is likely to feature in an exhibition match at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore during the tour.

The official claimed that the Waugh brothers [Steve and Mark] from Australia are also likely to add value to the tournament with their presence. Steve led Australia to the 1999 World Cup title in England.

After the PCB’s approval, the official hoped that leading national players like Misbahul Haq, Shahid Afridi, and Umar Gul among others would be available for selection in various teams.

Apart from teams from the four provinces, a team from the Federal Areas and Afghanistan would feature in the event.

A PCB spokesman told The Express Tribune that the organisers have been given a No-Objection Certificate (NOC). However, further details of the event and the board’s cooperation would be finalised in the coming days.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th, 2014.

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