PCB using cricketers to convince foreign players to play in PPL

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is seeing a ray of hope in its bid to launch the Pakistan Premier League (PPL), with several national and international cricketers having evinced interest in featuring in the tournament. The PCB has expressed confidence that the PPL, featuring renowned international cricketers, will help revive international cricket in Pakistan. According to an official, the PCB is taking help of the country’s leading cricketers to convince foreign players to play in Pakistan.
“A senior member of the team is playing a vital role in this regard. The cricketer’s representative is also in close touch with the PCB as well as foreign players on the issue. He’s already given a presentation which was impressive and is set to give an important one later this month,” the official. The official added that former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya and retired Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds have agreed to play in the tournament. “These players have promised to feature whenever they are invited. This is just the beginning and we are expecting more confirmations. Although these cricketers have passed their prime, their participation will convince other players to come forward. The PCB will also take help from other players who feature on foreign tournaments regularly,” he added The name of West Indian legend Brian Lara has already been linked with PPL. The idea of hosting the PPL was first floated by former chairman Nasim Ashraf in 2007 but, under Ijaz Butt, the plan was initially abandoned. The PCB, however, revived its efforts to launch the PPL following the success of similar leagues in Bangladesh, Australia and South Africa.