Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram tipped to be PSL ambassadors

KARACHI: Legendary Pakistani paceman Wasim Akram said Friday he was excited that Pakistan would host the Pakistan Super League (PSL) which 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," Wasim told AFP.

"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 been tipped to be an ambassador.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said some 40 foreign players will be approached to take part in the league.

Meanwhile, sources told Geo News today that Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga and West Indies' Chris Gayle have also agreed to play in PSL.

A day earlier, at least 15 international players, including West Indian Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan and New Zealand’s James Franklin consented to play in PSL’s inaugural edition in Doha next year.