Quetta Gladiators' owner unhappy over foreign players refusal to visit Pakistan
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![“Shane Watson had earlier committed he will travel to Pakistan, but [he] backed off at last minute,” says Omer Nadeem. —photo courtesy Omer Nadeem's Twitter](https://i.dawn.com/primary/2018/03/5aad70a94e534.jpg "“Shane Watson had earlier committed he will travel to Pakistan, but [he] backed off at last minute,” says Omer Nadeem. —photo courtesy Omer Nadeem's Twitter")
The owner of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Franchise Quetta Gladiators has expressed displeasure as most of his franchise’s foreign players have refused to travel to Pakistan to take part in the playoffs, DawnNewsTv reported.
The owner of two-time losing finalists Quetta Gladiators, Nadeem Omer, said: “It happens every time, we cannot convince foreign players to travel to Pakistan.”
He asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to include only those foreign players in future drafts who are willing to travel to Pakistan.
“Shane Watson had earlier committed that he will travel to Pakistan, but [he] backed off at last minute because his family did not agree on his visit [to Pakistan],” Omer said.
“If PCB fails to resolve this issue, the franchise owners will lose the charm,” he said.
The Quetta Gladiators owner said Raiwind blast proved to be a major setback, as foreign players got worried after it.
Meanwhile, the local players of Quetta Gladiators returned to Pakistan on Saturday. They will face Peshawar Zalmi in playoff match which will be played in Lahore.
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On DawnNews
Comments (91) Closed
Mar 18, 2018 12:52am
some object are behind which do not want Cricket to stay in Dubai
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Mar 18, 2018 01:22am
Clever decision by Watson.
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Mar 18, 2018 01:23am
Smart choice Watto!
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Mar 18, 2018 01:40am
You cannot blame foreign players, as the political situation in Pakistan is on the edge. And, as long as, the corrup mafia and their cronies are in power, the security situation is unlikely to improve and will provide assurance to foreign players. This is the hard fact that we have to swallow, accept and tackle in the future!
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Mar 18, 2018 01:49am
Just continue playing a positive cricket. Hopefully things will get better. We cannot blame those who still perceive Pakistan as a risky place to travel to and should not put restrictions on recruiting process. Eventually cricket will revive in Pakistan 100%.
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Mar 18, 2018 02:02am
Australian cricket board has been throwing stones at Pakistani cricket much before the attack on Sri Lankan team. Please never include Australian cricketers in PSL in future.
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Mar 18, 2018 02:08am
I agree. Watson shud not be drafted in next psl.
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Mar 18, 2018 02:18am
He is right. Sign up only those who will travel to Pakistan.
In fact their contracts should hold back the money until after they have fulfilled the condition.
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Mar 18, 2018 02:28am
Respect decision of each player, Cannot be forced to play.
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Mar 18, 2018 02:53am
I think it's time that PSL stop signing up foreign players who are not willing to go to Pakistan for a match. It's a disgrace. I think PSL needs to look into the rules of signing up these players.
Instead of getting players who will refuse to go to Pakistan at the last minute and harm their team's chances of winning, should not be signed up from the very beginning.
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Mar 18, 2018 02:56am
I agree leave all foreigners Out who are not willing to travel to Pakistan and am sure there are so many excellent foreign players who are not only brilliant but will also travel to Pakistan as it’s safe as any other country if you take out the political game.
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Mar 18, 2018 03:02am
The only honorable thing for PCB is to blacklist the players who do not want to travel
to Pakistan and fine them.
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Mar 18, 2018 03:04am
After reading about the recent bomb blast I saw it coming. But on the part of the sportsmen they have the right to make decision for their safety. Though it is not nice gesture when they have been assured of their safety
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Mar 18, 2018 03:29am
Didn't he know about it earlier?
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Mar 18, 2018 03:32am
I for one like to see young local talent in PSL frenchises rather than too many foriegn players and twashed up ex national side players. I think countries like WI and SL can still be relied upon with former being the current world champions. I hope all the matches of 2019 season of PSL should be held in Pakistan. We have large population that love cricket and should be let to enjoy the games at home grounds. When there are viewers there are sponsors. Pakistan can rely on thier own consumer market of cricket.
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Mar 18, 2018 03:40am
Most PSL foreign cricketers will not travel Pakistan.
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Mar 18, 2018 03:50am
If they say they will travel but then back off, hold some of their match fees and release after they play or attend the final! Make it in the contract!
And fix security situation at home country.
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Mar 18, 2018 03:58am
Make it part of their contracts.
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Mar 18, 2018 04:13am
Foriegn players contract dodnt mentioned that they have to visit Pakistan. Those who are coming to Pakistan are coming with their will. You can’t force any one to come and play. This need to sort before the tournament start not at the last moment
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Mar 18, 2018 04:40am
It is not the PCB's responsibility. You as an owner should do your homework and see which players will play in Pakistan unconditionally. Next time ask the question before committing to paying them.
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Mar 18, 2018 04:59am
While we respect the foreign players’ decision, it is very fortunate for Quetta Gladiators. They suffered big time in last year PSL final and it became one sided.
I thought PCB earlier said they were only going to select players (for the whole season) who were willing to travel to Pakistan, should they qualify for the playoffs.
Anyways, I really feel for Quetta Gladiators. I wanted to see a Quetta vs Karachi finals. Quetta, because almost half their side is Karachi boys, and Kings, because they own the port city name, Karachi. Chances of Quetta going down. :(
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Mar 18, 2018 05:17am
Players back off, also share some statistics for foreign players who got unfit in league matches, I wonder probably they don't want to come Pakistan, so better to get unfit rather refusal.
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Mar 18, 2018 05:30am
All the foreign players signing up for PSL is not a feather in cap that things are normal at home front and the international cricket will return to Pakistan.
More is needed...
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Mar 18, 2018 06:04am
We must not entertain these players not willing to come in our country. What we got in UAE in there inclusion????
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Mar 18, 2018 06:10am
First Government need to be make sure safety & security and peace for ordinary local peoples and then foreign can think to travel Pakistan without convince them.
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Mar 18, 2018 06:17am
Feel sorry for Quetta Gladiator's team. Last year the same happened. It was Quetta Gladiator's PSL last year but all major players backed off from the finals. Valid points raised by the owner.
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Mar 18, 2018 06:29am
"He asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to include only those foreign players in future drafts who are willing to travel to Pakistan."
The league will collapse if they do that.
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Mar 18, 2018 06:56am
What a shame. Why every year we go through this embarrassment.
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Mar 18, 2018 07:07am
So embarrassing for PSL and Pakistan. It is humiliating when foreign players insult like this. Next time, PCB should not include those names who do not travel to Pakistan.
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Mar 18, 2018 07:42am
Charge a penalty on the players who refuse to play in Pakistan after committing to it!!
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Mar 18, 2018 07:43am
We have good and talented players of Pakistan origin. So what if foreign players do not want to come to Pakistan.Big Deal!
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Mar 18, 2018 07:44am
Life & safety comes first good decision
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Mar 18, 2018 08:21am
Foreign player's still thinks Pakistan is not good place to play cricket..and one thing ..psl is incomplete without big overseas gun and home crowd.
Please make Pakistan good and safe for cricket, business, traveling..so more people's come to ur land.
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Mar 18, 2018 08:26am
Cricket is just small part of his life..not bigger than his life.
Please respect his decision
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Mar 18, 2018 09:00am
Lets fix our country before we can invite anyone to visit us.
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Mar 18, 2018 09:58am
He should know that we are happiest people in South asia.
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Mar 18, 2018 10:02am
I am a common man from India and I would love to visit Pakistan as tourist. I am sure that I will be offered good hospitality and protection by the common folks of Pakistan. Perhaps high profile celebraties have different risk? Wish best luck and peace to brethren across the border.
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Mar 18, 2018 10:11am
Everyone knew the schedule of matches in Pakistan before the tournament got underway in the UAE.
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Mar 18, 2018 11:00am
It is PCB fault. Why they accepted players who are not willing to play in Pakistan
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Mar 18, 2018 11:02am
@Ahmed if PSL stops signing foreign players then it will become faisal bank t20.
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Mar 18, 2018 11:02am
Some delusional fans think PSL can still run without foreign players.
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Mar 18, 2018 11:04am
@Theossa then whats the need to have PSL if so called local talent is good enough? Is faisal bank t20 any different from PSL without foreign players?
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Mar 18, 2018 11:07am
@Nadir people want to see foreign players, otherwise who need PSL when there is faisal bank t20?
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Mar 18, 2018 11:09am
I thought Mr Sethi claimed that only those foreigners will play who will go to Pakistan, what happened?????
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Mar 18, 2018 11:30am
Sad news for Pakistan cricket fans.....these foreign players r miserable as they r going to miss Pakistani hospitality and love of fans which is electrifying and irresistible...
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Mar 18, 2018 12:34pm
It's almost a decade one no is willing to play in Pakistan! It's very easy to blame others as cricket lover first improv the security in Pakistan and create a safety environment. No one is addressing this issues it is serious matter first solved it please
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Mar 18, 2018 12:49pm
If they don't fulfil the commitment, they should loose the fee - simple
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Mar 18, 2018 12:52pm
Watson and KP are past their sell by date. It’s to bring in current international cricketers.
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Mar 18, 2018 02:40pm
No need to beg them to come, they are paid the sum according to the contract and then they withdraw halfway, is there no check on this policy. Secondly no place on this earth is safe, all these boards have ganged up against Pakistan, voice the real reasons why hide behind security concerns.
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Mar 18, 2018 02:44pm
Watson and Kevin Pietersen shouldn't be selected in next PSL.
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Mar 18, 2018 02:55pm
Why are PSL franchisees so obsessed with foreign players? The local leagues of Australia,UK, and New Zealand don't depend on foreign players, why is Pakistan so hung up with foreigners? The franchisees should focus on building their team's brand rather than obsessing over foreign players.
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Mar 18, 2018 02:58pm
Here is an idea. Play the first PSL match in Pakistan and anyone refusing to visit Pakistan should be politely asked to leave and terminate their contract.
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Mar 18, 2018 02:59pm
Why am I not surprised.
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Mar 18, 2018 03:11pm
Its a wise decision. Safety is paramount.
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Mar 18, 2018 03:11pm
@khan No the PSL will never collapse if few foreign players do not visit Pakistan. Out of more than 200M population we can always find 50,000 cricket lovers to visit stadiums to watch their heroes from Pakistan and international friends. Hats off to Sammy, Bopara, Jordan and many more. It's more than enough for us. We will be right back. No one can suppress this cricket talent flowing from Pakistan.
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Mar 18, 2018 05:15pm
@Gaur can feel the jealousy from someone...we have enough of our star players to make it happen. International start do make it more attractive but would not be a problem without them. While I can understand shane watsons concerns as well.
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Mar 18, 2018 05:28pm
Sign a contract with them with clear terms and payment after the visit. Nothing should be left to chance. However, we need to be reasonable as incidents can happen and players can change their minds but they should be held accountable. In this case there was a bomb blast so a reaction should be expected.
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Mar 18, 2018 05:48pm
Didn't these foreign players were aware that if their team qualifies then they might have to play in Pakistan? Keep that in mind before signing the contract.
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Mar 18, 2018 06:23pm
Its players on decision but Quetta Gladiators have themselves to blame in picking these players (who did not show up last year whereas Zalmi's did) and also to keeping the same 4 in the playing 11, when it was known they will not come (KP announced early he wont come so why keep playing him). Should have given Pak and willing foreigners more play time so they are not rusty in play offs
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Mar 18, 2018 06:27pm
These players should be banned by psl as despite assurance of presidential security they are making issue of nothing...
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Mar 18, 2018 07:32pm
It was expected after the recent bombings... i’m Sorry but it was a failure on part of the security establishment... They should have stopped these most recent bombings at any cost
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Mar 18, 2018 07:44pm
This is ridiculous excuse, one bomber blast in raiwind, these kind of things can happen anywhere in the world.
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Mar 18, 2018 07:49pm
"He asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to include only those foreign players in future drafts who are willing to travel to Pakistan." Agreed;
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Mar 18, 2018 08:46pm
Make sense. If you don't want to play just don't play the whole tournament. Simple.
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Mar 18, 2018 09:12pm
Bomb blasts are quiet commmon around the world in comparison to us. So he should come to Pakistan. We gave him full security of 4 people around him all the time except when playing. What’s his problem. Boycott him next time
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Mar 18, 2018 09:26pm
@Anuj Watson backed out last minute. Can't say that we only sign up players willing to visit Pakistan but maybe hold players who had previously committed to visit accountable in some way. They should not commit if they think they might change their minds later.
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Mar 18, 2018 10:40pm
Unfortunately the international teams and foreign players just don't feel safe. As a result Pakistan cricket will continue to suffer. The only winners are people who want Pakistan cricket to suffer and be at the bottom of world cricket.
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Mar 19, 2018 04:17am
are people going to stop visiting USA after killing of 17 school children.
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Mar 19, 2018 09:00am
India doesnt want Pakistan to be stablised. India must be behind these attacks in Pak
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Mar 19, 2018 11:36am
put a clause in contract signing with players that if you dont come to play in pakistan then your royalties and match fees including salaries etc will be forfeited. :)
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Mar 19, 2018 12:56pm
YES... that measure should be taken care of... Include ONLY those foreign players in future drafts who are willing to travel to Pakistan.
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Mar 19, 2018 02:13pm
Why cricketers from African or west Indies can travel to Pakistan while western country cricketers cannot?
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Mar 19, 2018 03:23pm
Most of the players playing PSL are not the top international players. Most are not regulars for their home teams or have retired. But still they openly refuse to travel. It is such a big deal if these Grade B players go to Pakistan. Pakistan Cricket Board really needs to look at it differently. Only Grade B foreign players are playing PSL and for them almost the entire tournament is being staged in UAE makes absolutely no sense. PCB should seriously consider having the entire PSL hosted in Pakistan. Only then will it benefit. Are Pakistani cricketers always surrounded with security personnel? Do they not live normal lives in Pakistan (besides their celebrity status)? To allay fears have the level of security they believe is sufficient and have the entire tournament hosted in Pakistan. Otherwise PSL will never truly achieve its purpose which is to bring cricket back to Pakistan and to develop domestic cricketers and motivate future generations.
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Mar 19, 2018 05:21pm
@Nadir -- Which good players?!
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Mar 19, 2018 06:04pm
Unimaginable that they were selected without assurity that they will join the teams in Pakistan for finals.
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Mar 19, 2018 07:31pm
This is just beginning.Iam sure psl will achive many more milestone. it will also uplift cricket in this subcontinet. raiwind blast is relally unfortunate. But iam sure sooner or later foreign player will definitely play in pakistan.
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Mar 19, 2018 07:51pm
There should've been a provision of loosing more than half of your pay if you refuse to travel.
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Mar 19, 2018 08:52pm
Next time take players from Zimbabwe, Tonga republic, Rwanda, Papua New Guinea ....after they will be also foreign players.
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Mar 19, 2018 08:53pm
Come on guys show some sportsmanship....PSL is more important than players' lives.
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Mar 19, 2018 09:45pm
When a player signs an agreement then he is committed to the game. He should consult whoever needed before signing the papers.
Later on, he cannot give lame excuses like Family, astrologer, etc.
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Mar 19, 2018 10:23pm
In USA, it sounds quite simple: If he signed a contract, committing to play in the three games in Pakistan, Stop his payment.
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Mar 20, 2018 12:34am
Can you blame the foreign cricket players?
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Mar 20, 2018 02:53am
This is typical of Australian Cricket players!
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Mar 20, 2018 09:49am
Reluctance of foreign players (especially white) is perfectly understandable, playing under heavy " fool proof " security is no fun, until all the matches are held here rather than at Dubai the situation can not be called normal or safe. Good players do it for fun & 'see Pakistan' walking our streets & bazars as it used to be
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Mar 20, 2018 11:44am
I am surprised why owners do not mention this point at the time of hiring foreign players. Hire those who willing to play in Pakistan. There are a lot.
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Mar 20, 2018 12:49pm
@Samrat I know you are more interested in PSL instead of your own IPL, which is quite boring with dead pitches
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Mar 20, 2018 01:23pm
going with some competitive local players can be a good match too
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Mar 20, 2018 02:24pm
@Dervaish Khan fully agree
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Mar 20, 2018 02:24pm
@NASR agree
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Mar 20, 2018 03:29pm
quetta love u quetta
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Mar 21, 2018 11:24am
Only those foreign players should be selected in PSL who commit to travel to Pakistan with penalty clause in case they refuse later on. There are plenty of foreign players who are not cowards and PCB should choose from those players. Hopefully most, if not all, the matches of PSL 2019 will be played in Pakistan so it will make it easier even for the foreign players to decide whether or not they want to play in PSL.
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