Big names express consent to feature in Pakistan Super League

Pakistan was forced to shift the League to Doha after grounds in the United Arab Emirates – where Pakistan have played all their home cricket since 2009 – were booked for a private league in January-February 2016.

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews and slinging fast-bowler Lasith Malinga are two new names which have shown their availability for PSL. The former skippers will be given the task to play their role for successful launch of the PSL in Doha, Qatar.

“We have consent from at least 15 global players for the Pakistan Premier League, we are in talks with more players and a final pool will be announced in due course”, said a source in PSL.

The players, who gave their consent, included Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Marlon Samuels, Samuel Badree (West Indies), Thisara Perara, Tillkareten Dilshan, Ajantha Menis (Sri Lanka), Grant Elliott, James Franklin (New Zealand), Richard Levi, Roben Peterson (South Africa), Tim Bresnan, Michael Carberry (England) and Brad Hodge (Australia).

Pollard is one of five West Indians who have expressed an interest in being part of the much-blighted PSL.

Three players from Sri Lanka, including Dilshan, are also among the stars who have appeared on the radar. Recently, the PCB said it has received consent from over 40 worldwide players.

Akram is the bowling coach of IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders and Raja has served as a television expert in the tournament since its very first edition. The tournament will carry collective prize money of up to $1million.