PSL in Doha will boost Pakistan cricket: Wasim

Date

9/5/2015 2:56:32 AM

(MENAFN- The Peninsula)

Karachi: Legendary Pakistani paceman Wasim Akram (pictured) said yesterday he was excited that Pakistan would host a Twenty20 league that will give the country’s players much-needed international experience.

Pakistan last month announced it would host a Twenty20 league in Doha Qatar after previous attempts in 2014 and 2015 were postponed after a lack of response from sponsors and logistical problems.

The league was proposed to give Pakistani players an opportunity to compete with and against top foreign players which they have not been able to do since international cricket was suspended in the country in 2009.

Wasim said he was very keen to support the event.

“I have been offered to be the ambassador of the league and I am excited about the league as it will help our players game-wise as well as financially” said Wasim.

“Pakistan needed such a league so we all have to support the league and some good work is done for hosting this in the Gulf state and I am sure it will help lift Pakistan cricket” he added.

Former captain Ramiz Raja has also tipped to be an ambassador.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said some 40 foreign players will be approached to take part in the league. Some of the biggest names in cricket have shown interest in the PSL and are ready to set the tournament on fire.

It has been learnt that from the West Indies the hard-hitting Kieron Pollard was ready to make an appearance in the PSL while the top two bowlers in International Cricket Council’s Twenty20 Rankings – Sunil Narine and Samuel Badree – have also shown availability for the tournament.

Dwayne Bravo is another West Indian who is interested in representing a team in the PSL.

New Zealand’s semifinal hero in the 2015 World Cup Grant Elliot will be available for the tournament as well while Australian Brad Hodge is another player who is ready to present his services in the event.

Other players who have shown interest are the Kiwis’ James Franklin South African Richard Levi and Roben Peterson and England’s Tim Bresnan and Michael Carberry.

Media reports say the event will accommodate 25 foreign players for its first edition.

In addition top foreign coaches are also being roped in for the first edition of the PSL. The tournament will carry collective prize money of up to $1m.

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