PCB plans to launch Twenty20 league on the format of IPL
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to launch an event modelled after the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The
board had taken the decision two years ago but following the attack on
the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009 failed to implement it. After the
success of
the Indian Premier League, Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) also started their own version of Twenty20 Leagues.
IPL,
which started in year 2008, remains the most popular. Players from all
over the world are selected in the League but India has ignored
Pakistani players
since 2009 edition citing political tensions.
In the opening season of IPL in 2008, 11 Pakistani cricketers were drafted in the League and Shahid Afridi was the costliest player who was signed on for $675,000
by the Hyderabad team.
Subsequent
to International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2011 semi-final
between India and Pakistan at Mohali, which was attended by Prime
Ministers of both
the countries, it was expected that Pakistani cricketers would be given
opportunities in the IPL; but once again they have been sidelined.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) arranged 2009 edition of the tournament in South Africa which proved to be a good decision as the spectators
in that country thronged to it.
PCB is also considering the idea of arranging league matches overseas possibly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or in Malaysia.
Indian and Pakistan cricket boards are in negotiations to arrange the three-match One-Day series between India and Pakistan, in a bid to improve ties. ICC in
its Future Tour Programme has included Pakistan team’s tour to India next year.
Pakistani cricket team will now face West Indies on April 21.
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