The Pakistani cricketers would most likely play in the inaugural edition of the Sri Lanka Premier League which is to be played in July and August. Snubbed by the Indian Premier League, it would be a golden opportunity for the Pakistani players to earn extra bucks as nearly eight of Pakistan cricketers have been approached by SLPL organisers.
The SLPL will be played on the IPL format and the organisers are in touch with almost all famous cricketers around the globe and the expectations are quite high regarding its success. Pakistan cricketers have no international commitments during this period so there will be no problem for the players to take part and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will most likely give them a green signal.
Shahid Afridi, who is the current captain of the national side in both shorter forms of cricket, Test captain, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, speedsters, Shoaib Akhtar, and, Umar Gul, have been approached initially. The event is being organised by the Singapore based, ‘Somerset Entertainment’, and initially they contacted the Pakistani players directly. However, the PCB was unhappy with direct contacts between players and SLPL organisers and made their reservations known.
“We told them we have no issues with our players taking part in the tournament,” a senior board official was quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “The first priority of each player of course will be Pakistan’s international commitments and if there is something in that window and the player concerned is picked for Pakistan, that commitment will take priority.” Shoaib Malik will require a clearance from PCB’s integrity committee who have not given him permission to play national, or, international cricket.
Pakistani players were disallowed from taking part in the IPL and they are the only ignored players from a Test playing nation.
