Sethi optimistic of PSL success

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Sethi optimistic of PSL success
Najam Sethi, PCB Chairman at the HBL Pakistan Super League Press meet and greet at the Conrad Hotel, Dubai on Sunday.

Dubai - Sethi is hopeful to bring international cricket back into Pakistan

By Liaqat Ali

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Published: Tue 19 Jan 2016, 9:17 PM

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is going to hold its first edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Dubai and Sharjah with the hope that it will become the second biggest non-ICC event after the Indian Premier League in the near future.
While talking to Khaleej Times Najam Sethi, chairman of PSL, said: "We had a number of difficulties to make this happen.
"It is always difficult to start an event like this but when we get the results we feel satisfied.
"It was a hard grind and there were countless hurdles to stage this event. First of all, finding venues was an issue as the Masters Cricket League was going to be played in the UAE.
"Signing top players was another issue and finding owners for the franchises was not easy. But with the grace of God we are able to settle all the issues."
Since there is no international cricket in Pakistan, it was not easy to start an event like the PSL.
"All the cricket playing nations have started their T20 events and it was long overdue by the PCB. There were many nay-sayers and we faced the media backlash in Pakistan but with dedication and sincerity, we are able to reach this point," Sethi added.
The PSL can be a game-changer for Pakistan cricket. Coaches like Andy Flower and Dean Jones will be part of the show which will help the local talent to hone their skills.
"Pakistan cricket was dependent on the PCB but now the scenario will change. With the introduction of the PSL, there will be more sponsors and money.
"We are lucky to have the services of top players and coaches of the world. It is going to unearth talent and chisel them into world class players. There is a lot of excitement in the air and we hope it's going to be a big success."
There has been no international cricket in Pakistan since 2009 after the attack on the visiting Sri Lanka team then. It has hurt the game in the country.
Sethi is hopeful to bring international cricket back into Pakistan, and he said: "We are planning to stage an international match in the near future since the security situation has improved in the country.
"The Karachi Stadium on the occasion of the launch the Karachi Kings was jam packed. It shows the enthusiasm of the Pakistani fans."
We hope to stage the PSL in three years' time in the country."
liaqat@khaleejtimes.com


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