ISLAMABAD: PSL chairman Najam Sethi has said that the main aim of PSL was to bring international cricket back in Pakistan and present the soft image of the country.
Talking to Khaleej Times, he said that,” 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.”
He hoped the League (PSL) was a long term planning which would change the cricketing scenario in the country.
Najam Sethi maintained that the PSL was going to help the PCB to solve a number of problems as all board would become financially independent because private investors would join hands with the body.
He further said, “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.”
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.
He said that there was no international cricket since 2009 and it had adverse effect on the national team. Pakistan was doing well on Test level but they lag behind in the shorter versions of the game.
Replying to a question he said, “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 it will boost their professionalism.”
He said, “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.”
Replying to another question he said that,”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.”
