Afridi wants Indian players in PSL

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi believes that Indian cricketers should also participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

He said Indian players do not play in other leagues due to Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking to media on Thursday, he said the players who refuse to play in Pakistan should not be picked. He said it was a good sign that West Indian team is coming to Pakistan.

“We have to send the message to the world that security situation is best in Pakistan,” he said. Afridi was ruled out of Karachi King’s match against Peshawar Zalmi on Wednesday in the second eliminator of the PSL in Lahore due knee injury.

Peshawar qualified for the final of the third edition of the PSL after defeating Kings in the match that was reduced to 16 overs-a-side owing to rain.

Like skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, Afridi also spoken out against acquiring foreign players who are not willing to travel to Pakistan for the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Afridi said franchise owners should refrain from drafting foreign players who are unwilling to come to Pakistan for the tournament.

The former skipper said foreign players coming to Pakistan for the PSL was imperative for the return of international cricket to the country. “Holding PSL matches in Lahore and Karachi will send a positive message to the world. The message that security is excellent in Pakistan needs to be conveyed,” Afridi stressed.

He added the upcoming tour of West Indies to Pakistan was a step in the right direction. West Indies will play a three-match T20I series in Karachi on April 1, 2 and 3.