Pakistan

PSL to be played in UAE: report

ECB, PCB and MCL have reportedly reached an agreement with announcement due in next week

Sports Desk September 19, 2015

Young players will not only benefit from exposure to international stars but will also earn several times more than what they usually do in domestic events. PHOTO: APP

The inaugural Pakistan Super League (PSL) is all set to rock Doha in February 2016 but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly thinking of shifting the venue back to the UAE.

According to a PCB source, quoted by Sports360, there is now a 'strong possibility' of the PSL being moved back to the UAE with the board likely to make an announcement by next week.

Earlier, the PCB wanted to stage the five-team tournament in the UAE but due to the non-availability of the Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah grounds for the Masters Cricket League (MCL) the board had to find an alternative in Qatar.

Read: Doha to host first edition of Pakistan Super League

But now the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), PCB and MCL have reportedly reached an agreement which will allow Pakistan to hold the tournament in the UAE from February 4-20, 2016.

The MCL, when contacted by Sports360 refused to comment on the development while repeated calls to ECB officials went unanswered.

The PSL is set to launch its logo in a ceremony in Lahore on September 20 while many foreign players have already forwarded their consent to play in the PSL.

Read: Gayle signing major breakthrough for PSL, says Sethi

Executive committee chairman Najam Sethi said in a tweet that West Indian batting giant Chris Gayle is ready to make an appearance in the PSL while Keiron Pollar, Dwayne Bravo, Darren Sammy, Sunil Narine are some other West Indian players who are interested in the event.

Sri Lankan batsman Chamara Kapugedara said he is also making his moves to be drafted in the PSL while Sri Lankan batsman Tilakaratne Dilshan and Australian batsman Brad Hodge are also in contention to play in the tournament.

Read: Andre Russell agrees to play in PSL

Meanwhile, Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja have been selected as brand ambassadors for the PSL.

The PSL will have five teams with each team fielding 12 Pakistani and four foreign players in 24 matches from February 4-24 next year.