Pakistan Super League kicks off in UAE

DUBAI: The long-awaited Pakistan Super League (PSL) kicked off in Dubai with a glittering opening ceremony on Thursday evening.

The five franchises, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators have been working hard over the past few days getting ready for what former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram calls the biggest thing to happen in the country’s cricket.

It follows two previous attempts that fell through over a lack of sponsorship and the suspension of international cricket at home in the wake of a militant attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009.

With Pakistan’s once dominant Twenty20 side sliding to a lowly seventh place in world rankings following recent series loss against New Zealand, the organisers are keen for local talent to hone their skills alongside the world’s best players.

Featuring 69 local and 29 foreign stars the 24-match league will be held From February 4 to 23 at stadiums in Sharjah and Dubai. 

PSL chairman Najam Sethi has said that the main aim of PSL was to bring international cricket back to Pakistan and present a soft image of the country.

Talking to Khaleej Times, he said that they would try to host one or two matches of the PSL in Pakistan next year to show that the country is safe to host international events.

He hoped the League (PSL) was a long-term planning which would change the cricketing scenario in the country.

He said the players were going to benefit the most since they would earn money and get chance to play the game at the highest level.

There was very little time to organise such a big event since there was India series, Asia Cup and World T20, he said. “But we decided to take a plunge and everything fell into place,” Sethi added.

He said the PSL could prove a nursery to produce T20 and one-day players.  He said Punjab government had offered money and asked Zaheer Abbas to start cricket academies in the province. “I hope the remaining provinces will follow suit,” he said.

He said that plans were afoot to build a stadium in North Waziristan. “Our northern areas are producing quality fast bowlers and Peshawar is domestic T20 champion for the last two years.