Pakistan Twenty20 league likely to be held in Qatar

ICC Chief said that both Pak and India should be aware of the fact that Pak-India cricket series was in the larger interest of cricket in the region and revival of such series would go a long way in promoting cricket in the sub-continent.

Pakistan said late Saturday it could not accept India’s “preconditions” for the talks which had been scheduled for Sunday in New Delhi, effectively cancelling them.

Before releasing official statement, PCB sought clarification from ICC about return of Butt & Asif in competitive cricket & grounds on which the duo will be allowed.

“Qatar is staging major global events now but cricket has remained out of their calendar but now they want cricket as well and their officials assured us they would offer all cooperation and help to make the PSL a big success in Qatar”, the official said. “This is a good experience for everybody”. The two, whose ban for spot-fixing lifts on September 2, will be required to take part in an anti-corruption educational programme, have sessions with a psychologist, and ply their trade in grade cricket for a start.

Media reports from Pakistan earlier this month claimed the PCB would begin the bidding process for selling team franchises in September, as well as broadcasting and merchandising rights.

The tournament would be held at Doha’s Asian Town Cricket Stadium that has a capacity of over 14,000, and all the contests are expected to be day/night matches.

The event should prove popular among Qatar’s huge Asian community.

There are around 90,000 people from Pakistan living in Qatar, a number which is expected to rise in the near future with the influx of more workers needed for the huge number of infrastructure projects taking place in the super rich Gulf state.

Details of the Super League tournament are yet to be finalised, but there will be at least five teams, said Khan.

Abbas was at his best as a batsman when India toured Pakistan in 1978, the first series between the two countries after a 17-year hiatus due to political tensions, scoring 583 runs in three Tests.

Qatar will also host the World Athletics Championships in 2019 and Football World Cup 2022 and will also announce their decision about hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics.