Richards calls for more HBL PSL matches in Pakistan

SHARJAH: West Indian great Vivian Richards says the more HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches are held in Pakistan the better the league will turn out to be.

“What I think is quite encouraging is that I saw the West Indies women’s team toured Pakistan,” said Richards of the West Indies’ Eves touring Karachi for a T20I series against Pakistan women.

“Before that, the West Indies men’s team came (in March last year). Some of the HBL PSL matches were taken to Pakistan and, to me, that had more volume and the more I think that’s done, the better I think it would be for Pakistan cricket,” he told reporters.

Richards said there was no substitute to playing before one’s own people. “To be honest, no one wants to be playing in exile all their lives,” said Richards referring to Pakistan playing at the neutral venues of the UAE.

“Every team wants to be playing in front of home fans and getting their support,” he added. Richards called PSL one of the top leagues, for its ability to throw more and more talented players every year.

“It’s been great,” remarked Richards. “To me PSL is one of the most important T20 tournaments that is played. The players that come to play in this tournament are some of the best players in my opinion,” he said.