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PCB eager to conduct Pakistan Super League in 2014

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not dismissed the idea on conducting the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after it resumed work to create its very own franchise-based Twenty20 tournament in 2014.

PCB eager to conduct Pakistan Super League in 2014

PCB interim chief Najam Sethi gave the go ahead to the PSL officials to stage the tournament in 2014 © AFP

Sep 9, 2013

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not dismissed the idea on conducting the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after it resumed work to create its very own franchise-based Twenty20 tournament in 2014.

Officials hired to set up the league met with PCB interim chief Najam Sethi, who gave the go ahead to the league after viewing their presentation, reported Paktribune.

The PSL has been in the pipeline for a few years now. There were more efforts during suspended chairman Zaka Ashraf’s regime, who wanted to bring back international cricket to Pakistan.

The original tournament itself was to take place in March and April this year, but was postponed indefinitely. If Pakistan cannot host the tournament, then the UAE could be considered as a possible venue.

Sources said that the authorities want to stage the PSL in February 2014, before the ICC World T20 in Bangladesh.

“This league can work as a bail-out project for the PCB, who is facing a dearth of income,” an official said. “This is why PCB Chairman Sethi has shown interest in reviving plans for the league.”

“The board has already invested at least Rs 20 million, and much of the work has already been done. Around 60 to 80 foreign players showed their desire to participate and they are still on board.”

The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) opposed the PCB’s plans as it raised concerns over security. Other players’ bodies and organizations also expressed concerns.

“It is understood by PCB officials that it is impossible to hold a successful league in Pakistan under current circumstances. UAE, which is currently a destination for our home series, is being considered for the inaugural edition,” the official added.

Meanwhile, the official concluded by saying that the PCB was unwilling to announce any plans until the legalities that reduce Sethi’s power as chairman was cleared.

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