ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Chairman Pakistan Super League (PSL) Najam Sethi has expressed the optimism to bring international cricket back into Pakistan saying, “We hope to stage the PSL in three years’ time in the country.”
“We are planning to stage an international match in the near future since the security situation has improved in the country. The Karachi Stadium on the occasion of the launch the Karachi Kings was jam packed. It shows the enthusiasm of the Pakistani fans,” Sethi told in an interview to Khaleej Times.
He expressed the hope that the first edition of PSL in Dubai and Sharjah will become the second biggest non-ICC event after the Indian Premier League in the near future.
“We had a number of difficulties to make this happen. It is always difficult to start an event like this but when we get the results we feel satisfied.”
“It was a hard grind and there were countless hurdles to stage this event. First of all, finding venues was an issue as the Masters Cricket League was going to be played in the UAE.
“Signing top players was another issue and finding owners for the franchises was not easy. But with the grace of God we are able to settle all the issues,” he added.
He said that since there was no international cricket in Pakistan, it was not easy to start an event like the PSL. “All the cricket playing nations have started their T20 events and it was long overdue by the PCB. There were many nay-sayers and we faced the media backlash in Pakistan but with dedication and sincerity, we are able to reach this point.”
He said that the PSL could be a game-changer for Pakistan cricket as coaches like Andy Flower and Dean Jones would be part of the show which would help the local talent to hone their skills.
“Pakistan cricket was dependent on the PCB but now the scenario will change. With the introduction of the PSL, there will be more sponsors and money.
“We are lucky to have the services of top players and coaches of the world. It is going to unearth talent and chisel them into world class players. There is a lot of excitement in the air and we hope it’s going to be a big success,” he maintained.
Source: APP
