Pakistan Super League organisers say they have
secured over 50 foreign cricketers to take part in the country's first
professional Twenty20 tournament starting March. PSL managing director Salman
Sarwar Butt on Friday did not reveal the nationality of players, but says his
management had already obtained signatures of more than 50 overseas players
with some more likely to sign up shortly.
"This clearly is an indication that the
PSL is attractive both in terms of cricket and financial gains for the
cricketing talent, no matter where in the world it is located," he said.
The cricket boards of Australia and South
Africa have reportedly refused to allow their players travel to Pakistan due to
security reasons, and Butt says he knows well it would not be easy to change
perceptions."The PSL shall continue with its efforts to put together a
spectacle that would endeavor to dispel such perceptions once it starts
unfolding on the ground," Butt said.
Pakistan has not hosted a test-playing nation
for four years, since gunmen attacked the Sri Lanka team convoy in March 2009,
injuring players and killing six police officials and a driver.The Pakistan
Cricket Board also enlisted former International Cricket Council chief
executive Haroon Lorgat as an adviser to the PSL in a bid to rebuild the
confidence of foreign players in returning to Pakistan.
It is yet to be seen how many leading players
will be able to get the required No Objection Certificates from their
respective cricket boards to travel to Pakistan.
"The PCB is in contact with the various
boards and will be soliciting NOCs for signed-up players," Butt said.
"Once these players get the required NOCs, only then we can reveal their
nationalities before going into the auction."
The PSL comprises five city based teams that
are yet to be finalised. Lahore or Karachi is the likely venue for the Mar.
26-Apr.6 event in which PSL hopes to induct at least 30 foreign players through
an auction process.
