KARACHI: The former chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Haroon Lorgat, has said that Pakistan is ready for its own Twenty20 league, adding that he will be overlooking the process and providing assistance whenever needed.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Lorgat said he was pleased with the progress the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had made in promoting T20 cricket in the country.  Lorgat had stopped in Pakistan en route to Sri Lanka at the invitation of PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf.

"It's not a long time from now to then but there is still a lot of planning and work has been done and a lot to be done but I can see that there is a lot of energy to get this league off the ground," Lorgat said.

"Cricket is a growing game and Twenty20 cricket seems to have taken roots and I am pleased to see the progress the PCB has made in that respect."

Lorgat said he was contributing at the strategic level and added that the PCB had already accomplished many of the tasks.

"At this stage (I am supporting the PCB) at a strategic level, ensuring that the details are being attended to and that the concept for the league model is correct," Lorgat added.

"With my experience in dealing with sponsors, broadcasters, setting up models, the kind of objective and the financial matters are the level where I am contributing at the moment. It appears like the PCB has already done a lot in linking with the member boards and interactions have been made with the international players as well."

The Pakistan Premier League is set to launch in March next year and Lorgat said there was a lot of commercial gain as well from hosting a T20 league in Pakistan.

"Pakistan should not be left out. They should have a league of the highest professional standard and there are commercial opportunities and the PCB is looking to exploit that," Lorgat said.

Ashrsaf praised the expertise of Lorgat and said he is a big support to Pakistan cricket and its endeavor to stage PPL.

“We look forward to get benefit from his experience,” he said adding that the PCB is fully determined to hold the PPL.