League will change our cricket, says Sethi

Published: Thu 4 Feb 2016, 9:19 PM

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sees Pakistan Super League (PSL) as a long term planning which will change the cricketing scenario in the country. The league is going to help the PCB and players in many ways. PSL chairman Najam Sethi has very clear plans to streamline cricket in the country. While talking to Khaleej Times, he said: "The PSL is going to help the PCB solve a number of problems. First of all board will become financially independent because private investors will join hands with the body.
"The players are going to benefit the most since they will earn money and will get chance to play the game at the highest level.
"The main aim is to bring international cricket back in Pakistan and present the soft image of the country. We will try to host one or two matches of the PSL in Pakistan next year to show that the country is safe to host international events."
It is not as easy as it looks because the PCB faced a number of problems to start the PSL.
"The previous board has tried to start the league but it could not. We kept on postponing the event for many years but now we have decided 'now or never'.
"God helps those who help themselves and we are here today. We were told there is not much juice in the market. There was very little time to organise such a big event since there was India series, Asia Cup and World T20. But we decided to take a plunge and everything fell into place," Sethi added.
There is no international cricket since 2009 and it has adverse effect on the national team. Pakistan is doing well on Test level but they lag behind in the shorter versions of the game.
According to Sethi: "The PSL could prove a nursery to produce T20 and ODI players. The youth will rub shoulders with the likes of Chris Gayle and Kevin Pietersen. They will be coached by big names like Dean Jones and Paddy Upton and will come to know what is professionalism.
"This will be a new experience for the youth and they will usher into a new era."
The idea of the PSL has already positive effect on the cricket in country as new academies are emerging.
"Punjab government has offered money and asked the legendary Zaheer Abbas to start cricket academies in the province. I hope remaining provinces will follow suit. Plans are afoot to build a cricket stadium in North Waziristan which was out of question in the near past. Our northern areas are producing quality fast bowlers and Peshawar is domestic T20 champion for last two years."
Will the PSL be able to draw crowds in Dubai and Sharjah?
"It is a big question since the PSL is being played here and most of the people are tied to their jobs. But for me TV rights is the main thing which we are able to negotiate successfully. Pakistanis are very passionate about cricket and I hope they will come to watch quality players on offer."