Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises have finally decided on what most cricket fans in Pakistan wanted. According to some reports, PSL team owners have decided to not include players in the draft that are unwilling to travel to Pakistan.
The decision makes sense as Pakistan spends a lot of money on the security of foreign players. The successful world XI tour, recent series with West Indies in Karachi, and PSL matches in Pakistan are proof that situation has improved manifold since the 2009 attack in Lahore. However, non-availability of foreign players for cricket in Pakistan seems illogical, full of arrogance and insensitive.
Foreign Players in Pakistan
Some foreign players did participate in the PSL matches that were held in Pakistan. These include Marlon Samuels, Darren Sammy, Chris Jordan etc. However, big names like Kevin Pietersen, Shane Watson, Alex Hales, Eoin Morgan, Nathan McCullum etc refused to visit despite pocketing millions in wages.
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The unavailability of these players was a major concern for PSL teams. Apart from the financial aspect, it hurt the team tactics as many franchises built their teams around these players. Quetta Gladiators evidently suffered most from this as they played all their matches in Pakistan without major foreign players.
A sports journalist tweeted on the matter saying;
PSL owners have decided that players who are not willing to travel to Pakistan will not be included in the draft and those players who are willing to play in Pakistan will not be given additional payments #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) May 5, 2018
Furthermore, PSL teams will not pay extra money to any player traveling to Pakistan for PSL matches. The source further adds that the opening ceremony of next PSL might be held in Pakistan as well.
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PCB Chairman Najam Sethi already announced that around half of the PSL 4 matches will be held in Pakistan. The opening ceremony in Pakistan on top of that will be a treat to watch.
PCB recently invited Australia and New Zealand to play a series in Pakistan as well. Australia has yet again refused to come while New Zealand is yet to respond.
