“It would be great if PSL could have been held in Pakistan. As we were talking about the revival of cricket in Pakistan after the Zimbabwe tour to Pakistan, we started to hope that cricket would continue to be played here. Our cricket should be played within our own territory.”

Thus spoke Shahid Afridi the charismatic captain of the Pakistan T-20 team and arguably the most admired and sought after cricket player throughout the world.

He was not only speaking for himself but also echoing the sentiments of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman (before one of his now-expected U-turns) and the entire cricketing community of Pakistan, be they cricket players or fans.

What Afridi added is noteworthy. He said, "I am not worried if foreign players come or not, but what is important is the revival of cricket in Pakistan and [that] our youngsters get opportunity to play in front of big [home] crowds,

“It isn’t possible that we invite foreigners and [they] do not come. I spoke to some players and they are ready to come. If we give good offers to foreign players I don’t see any reason why they won't come. The circumstances of our country are getting better and better.”

With travel advisories from Australia about the security problems in Bangladesh, the Australian team has postponed its departure for Dhaka to play a two-Test series. Will BD go offshore? Let us see, but I doubt it.

Well played Shahid — as usual with a straight bat. The formula of Zimbabwe team’s visit should be applied to the aspirants of the Pakistan Super League — make them an offer which they cannot, and will not, refuse.

However, seeing the mismanagement in the organisation of the recently concluded T-20 domestic cup in Rawalpindi, PCB/PSL have realised the ineptness, inefficiency, incapability and incompetence of its management and staff to deal with arrangements. As such it is back to the comforts and luxury of outsourcing.

Now, with travel advisories from Australia about the security problems in Bangladesh, the Australian team has postponed its departure for Dhaka to play a two-Test series. Will BD go offshore? Let us see, but I doubt it.

Be that as it may, and having said the above in trying to make a point, I am exceedingly pleased and utterly delighted that at long last (the idea was first floated in 2008) the PSL was launched on September 20 amidst speeches, music, and fanfare attended by glitterati from the world of showbiz and cricket.

A few days after this it was announced that the event has been shifted from Doha to Dubai and Sharjah (not the entire UAE, as Abu Dhabi seems to have been left out) come next February. Congratulations are in order particularly for the person who made this “mission impossible” possible — the persevering and determined Najam Sethi.

As Pakistan’s victory against Sri Lanka at Pallekele (remember they were chasing 377 in the last innings) could not have been possible without the herculean efforts of Younis Khan (ably supported by young Shan Masood), similarly PSL would have dragged on had it not been for Sethi.

However, two points need pondering in this connection. Doha in the oil rich Shaikhdom of Qatar was confirmed as the venue for PSL after the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) had waved the red flag to PSL as all their (UAE's) three stadia were committed to host the matches of Masters Champions League (MCL) — a Twenty-20 tournament involving retired international cricketers — a new and novel idea.

The launching of this league, which is the brainchild of Zafar Shah (an Indo-British business tycoon resident in UAE, owner of the Grand Midwest Hotels chain, a generous sponsor of entertainment events such as musical concerts and cricket tournaments), was held on June 3 in Dubai.

The main personalities included Abdul Rahman Falaknaz (chairman ECB and president MCL), Zafar Shah (chairman MCL), David East (CEO of ECB), former captains Graham Gooch (England), Allan Border (Australia), Brian Lara (West Indies), Adam Gilchrist (Australia), Danny Morrison (New Zealand), Pakistani icons, former captains and ace commentators Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja who are now also ambassadors of PSL, besides Dean Jones the former Australian batsman and current TV commentator.

Just for the information of those interested, some facts about MCL should be given. It will be a different type of league from the IPL, BBL, Bangladesh League, Caribbean League, Sri Lankan League, PSL, leagues in England, but it will be a league nevertheless.

MCL will be organised by GM Sports. And is approved by Emirates Cricket Board for 10 years. It will it be played over two weeks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in February 2016. The format will be Twenty20 to be competed by six teams. Each side will have 15 players (two icon players plus 13) and franchises and players will be auctioned.

A total of 90 players who should be retired from international cricket will participate. At the moment Brian Lara, Adam Gilchrist, Wasim Akram, Jacques Kallis have been signed as icons. The MCL has been welcomed by leading legends of the game.

Brian Lara commented, “I am thrilled and honoured to be taking part in what promises to be an exceptional display of competitive cricket.” Dean Jones said, “This iconic tournament … will bring together some of the greatest iconic names that the game has ever seen.” Meanwhile Ramiz Raja observed, “It’s great to be part of something so unique and exciting.”

Now according to a PSL announcement, an agreement has been reached with the ECB/MCL and the PSL event will be held in Sharjah and Dubai (no Abu Dhabi) from February 4 next year, which means that it has been shifted from Doha.

Media reports quoting Zafar Shah also confirmed this but added that the MCL will also go on as scheduled in February and in the UAE; it was also stated there is a possibility that matches of the two leagues may be held concurrently! It is premature, and out of order, to add more comments at this time.

Let us wait for the events to unfold. I am sure things will work out smoothly and amicably in the end. It will be interesting to know who mediated in the matter and convinced the ECB/MCL to accommodate PSL.

The other point to consider is the position of Doha. Spare a thought for the Qatarese authorities who, we were informed, were going all out with efforts and funds to bring cricket to their country in a big way. A couple of years ago Pakistan had organised a Women’s Tri-series there which was a roaring success.

Those who visited Doha during the event gave glowing reports of the arrangements and also the wide electronic and print media coverage of the event by Qatar. We must remember that as far as money is concerned it is no problem for them.

It is said that Qatar is willing to build more cricket grounds to add to the lone stadium they have at the moment. All they need, I suppose, is an assurance that there will be cricket in these venues. Qatar is the selected venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup which has been a subject of controversy, including hints and investigations regarding corruption.

This is neither the place nor do we have the space to go into the details of this. Suffice it to say that cricket events would enhance the image of Qatar as hosts of sports and provide comfort to the ‘soccerites’ of the world particularly the Westerners who are trying to criticise the selection of Qatar as the venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup because of the heat during the dates of the Cup (although the dates have now been shifted from summer to November 21 to the final on December 28 the National Day of Qatar).

It will be interesting to note that Qatar, in response to the heat problem, offered to have the entire stadia for the event fully airconditioned. Had PSL asked for an airconditioned stadium I think that it could have been arranged and, after off shore hosting of international and now domestic cricket, this luxury would have been another first for the PCB.

Enough of kicking around. Now back to cricket. PSL is born. May it grow, thrive and prosper. According to Najam Sethi 132 foreign cricketers and some coaches have applied to be considered. What about the Pakistani players? How will they be selected? A list should be forthcoming.

The invitation to tender for broadcast rights has been published. If my memory serves me right: Sethi in a beeper to a TV channel had said the broadcasters such as ESPN, Sony, Zee, Ten Sports, etc., will have to compete — fair enough. But why all Indian companies? What about PTV Sports, Geo Sports and other Pakistani TV channels? The Pakistani channels should set aside their petty differences and form a conglomerate and bid for the broadcast rights for this prestigious Pakistani event.

It is also about time that the radio should think of making a comeback to play its role in the sports field as it used to do.

PCB should tie up with Radio Pakistan for the coverage of all their international and domestic events on this mass medium. The privatisation ministry should think in terms of privatising the cash starved sports division of the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation and PTV.

At the time of writing this Pakistan have just managed to scrape through and maintain their unbeaten record in T-20 against Zimbabwe by winning the first low-scoring match at Harare by 13 runs.

Impressive debut by Imran Khan (his bowling is confusing to the batsmen and difficult to read); Imad Wasim continues to improve with every outing in all three departments of the game.

Shoaib Malik and Rizwan took Pakistan’s score to a semblance of respectability. Mukhtar and Sohaib disappointed us.

The Zimbabweans, always suspect against left arm spinners made heavy weather of Imad’s bowling (who started the slide of their innings with the second delivery of their innings), and never looked like achieving the modest target of 137.

Let us resolve the ongoing issues about Younis Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmad and any others. Younis is a dignified, pious, disciplined, soft spoken, highly-talented and delightful player with a great personality.

He seems ill-advised as regards his latest comments, remarks and tirades. His advisors will do well to have his personality restored to the grace and decorum which are synonymous with Younis.

If Younis has any grievance or grouse with the management he should go to them and sort it out through dialogue rather than going to the media.

Also why should there be any controversy about Sarfaraz? He is an automatic selection for all formats. Why is there even a thought that Rizwan or anyone else may be his challengers? Rizwan and others can always be played as batsmen while Sarfaraz has the gloves on.

There are innumerable examples of teams who have played two or even more players who could keep wickets. Once again if there are any problems these should be sorted out through discussions rather than give rise to wild rumours.

I am sure there is a code of conduct about players issuing statements as far as dealing with the media is concerned. What is the PCB/PSL media division for?

End of innings

This piece will be incomplete without a heartfelt word of condolence at the passing away recently of Jagmohan Dalmiya, Brian Close and Frank Tyson.

Dalmiya was perhaps the best cricket administrator ever. He was president of Board of Control for Cricket in India and former chairman of the International Cricket Council.

Brian Close, the former Yorkshire, Somerset and England captain was one of the bravest cricketers ever. He was battered and bruised by a barrage of bouncers by the fearsome, fast, furious and fiery West Indies pace battery at their fiercest; but never rubbed the spot where struck nor flinched.

Close played his first Test at the age of 18, the youngest England player to do so and his last Test 27 years later at the age of 45. Tyson, an English Literature graduate from Durham University, was lightning quick which earned him the nickname ‘Typhoon’.

In 17 Tests he took 76 wickets at 18.56 per wicket. He had a novel idea of ‘sledging’. He quoted Shakespeare and Wordsworth to the batsmen!

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, October 4th, 2015

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