Pakistan’s Twenty20 skipper Shahid Afridi on Monday became the first pick of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after Peshawar Zalmi signed up the flamboyant all-rounder to play for its franchise.
With 308 cricketers on board, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) kicked off players’ drafting for ‘Platinum’, ‘Diamond’ and ‘Gold’ categories in National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore. Karachi Kings signed up the former captain Shoaib Malik to play for them, while Quetta Gladiators got England star Kevin Pietersen. Lahore Qalandars roped West Indian hardhitter Chris Gayle and Shane Watson of Australia picked up by Islamabad United. The PSL player list includes 137 Pakistani and 171 foreign players. The short-listed players have been divided into five categories. The second phase of drafting took place in NCA on Tuesday. Players belonging to the ‘Silver’ and ‘Emerging’ categories were inducted into the league’s five franchises. The PSL has already finalised the sale of commercial rights for franchises, broadcast, and title sponsorship.
Indeed Pakistan Cricket Board deserves appreciations for organising the mega cricket league as platform would be handy to promote new faces and to encourage new talent. It would be great for domestic players to play with international cricketers which would boost up confidence of the new emerging players. They would not only be playing against international super stars but also will be sharing dressing room and training session with them. We have witnessed a rapid improvement in the cricket of Bangladesh after organizing its premier league. Indian Premier League also polished skills of new emerging players of India and they are competing well in the international arena. The very first edition of Pakistan Super League will be played in the grounds of UAE but we hope that with improving security conditions in the country, next editions of the league would take place in Pakistan.
PSL would provide chance to emerging players to shine along with international stars.
