Pakistan Super League is a revolution: Moin Khan

Dubai - 'Pakistani youngsters will benefit from new [cricket] league'. The inaugural Pakistan Super League starts from Thursday in the UAE.

Former Pakistan chief selector Moin Khan believes that like young Indian cricketers benefitted from IPL, the Pakistan Super League will help new blood in Pakistan cricket get good exposure.
Pakistan cricket is geared up to usher in a new era with the launch of the inaugural Pakistan Super League starting from Thursday here in the UAE.
Moin, Pakistan's former Test captain and head coach of Quetta Gladiators, sounded very optimistic about the league. While talking to the Khaleej Times Moin said: "The PSL is nothing less than a revolution in Pakistan cricket and the game will reap dividends from this league. Despite tentative beginnings, the potential offered by the event will go beyond cricket."
"We hope the PSL is going to play the same role to nurture young talent in Pakistan. Pakistan might be the last to board the premier T20 league bandwagon, after India, Australia, West Indies, and even Bangladesh, but here it is nonetheless. It's better late than never," said Moin.
Since UAE is home away from home for Pakistan cricket team, Moin was optimistic that the PSL would attract big crowds here. "First and foremost we have to produce quality cricket and crowds will follow. For young Pakistani talent on show at the PSL, there is great opportunity to share a dressing room with international stars and big stars from the Pakistan team."
Moin felt that despite some hiccups, the PSL is a golden opportunity for PCB to build upon. "A successful first edition in the UAE will pave way for international cricket returning to Pakistan."
Moin was of same view as he said: "The lack of international cricket is hurting Pakistan in many ways. The PSL is going to be staged here and I hope the way the security situation is improving day by day in our country, the event will be held in Pakistan very soon.
"If we are able to create safe environment for cricket in Pakistan then we can ask cricketing fraternity to come and play in our country."
While talking about Quetta Gladiators' chances in the PSL, Moin said: "It is not easy to predict anything in Twenty20 cricket. We have got some top names in the game - Kevin Pietersen, Luke Wright, Umar Gul and Sarfraz Ahmed.
"I will mention the name of upcoming player Mohammed Nawaz who will be a star in the tournament and the boy has a great future ahead. We will try our best give our 100 per cent and put up a great show here."
liaqat@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai