Former Pakistani cricketers have expressed their reservations over Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to release some of its top players for the ‘T-10 Cricket League’, to be held later this month in Sharjah.
Former ICC president and Test captain Zaheer Abbas voiced his doubts over the board’s wisdom in giving a green light to its contracted players to play the league.
“It’s difficult to determine the future of ten overs cricket. And it’s very close to Pakistan Super League [schedule wise]. The PCB should not have allowed its players to join the league in [such a short window],” the former captain remarked.
“Ten overs is too easy. Extremely convenient money. What’s the point of fielding 11 players each side in such a format? Six or seven players are enough. Honestly, I can’t see any future for this format,” the ‘Asian Bradman’ said, further noting that the players would have to be vigilant against dangers of corruption during the league.
“[The board] should have considered a lot of things before releasing players like this.”
Former cricketer and team selector Mohsin Khan shared his opinion on the league.
“With this T-10, where exactly are you taking cricket? Are you going to come up with five-overs cricket next?”
The former batsman said the PCB should be more selective about where it sends its players.
“We should only send our players to selective, good-standard competitions. We should maintain a standard and preserve our cricketers,” he said, pointing out examples of Australia, India and England.
“The upcoming tour to New Zealand is very important. Our domestic and international cricket should come first,” he added.
Former cricketer Aamir Sohail said the conflicting stories about T-10 league are disconcerting.
“You have to see that if one franchise owner is not doing something benefitting Pakistan cricket, then you have to sit down and talk with him,” he said, adding that it seemed the board had not thought through the whole matter.
