PCB unveils plan for Pakistan Cricket League

Sethi and other Pakistan cricket officials had held meetings in Doha with the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) after the PCB’s initial negotiations with authorities in the UAE to hold the tournament there failed because of a scheduling clash with the Masters Champions League (MCL), a newly-launched event featuring retired global players.

He said: “Absolutely buzzing to be a part of the Pakistani mela coming up in February”.

The PSL, ESPNcricinfo understands, had initially contacted top agencies handling over 100 worldwide players to consider playing in Pakistan. “Our players will gain a lot of confidence through this”, said Wasim. He said that Pakistan will react strongly if India goes back on agreement. Pietersen, who is almost positive by no means to get a recall to the England national workforce due to his troublesome relations with the administration, is considered one of the most wanted freelancers in the T20 circuit. In recent days, Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo, Kieiron Pollard and Sunil Narine have all signed up to be a part of five franchise sides.

“My business partner and I are testing the waters; assessing whatever is put on table and how it suits us”, he said.

“It is not just about us wanting to play them”. It will come as some relief to the PCB as well. “Because after 15 years of global cricket I don’t think I need to take anyone’s advice to decide what to do about my career”, Younis said. “The circumstances of our country are getting better and better”.

“We are working on Plan B …” Despite an agreement between the PCB and the BCCI, the chances of the series slated for December going ahead appear bleak.

Both the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India past year signed a Memorandum of Understanding to play six series’ between 2015-2023 with Pakistan hosting India for Tests, ODIs and Twenty20s in the United Arab Emirates in December. The series, however, was always subject to government approval.

“There are lots of rumors going on”, said Gul Khan, the association’s head of events and tournaments. Why insist on playing with India?

The league has generated so much interest that a reported 10 parties want to buy up the teams, including former bowlers, Shoaib Akhtar and Javed Afridi.