LAHORE: With things fast falling in place for the high-profile Pakistan Super League and doubts being put to rest about holding of its opening edition in Doha, Qatar, the league’s two brand ambassadors Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja on Thursday formally signed their contracts with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Sounding upbeat about the successful staging of the league next year in February, both the former captains expressed confidence that the PSL would prove hugely beneficial for Pakistan cricketers, especially the youngsters.

“I am excited about PSL which will help Pakistan cricket tremendously. Not only our players but the coaching staff too will gain valuable experience from the league besides getting financial benefits,” said legendary fast bowler Wasim who was flanked by Ramiz and PSL chairman Najam Sethi in a news conference here on Thursday.

“It is an honour for me to get appointed as the brand ambassador of the PSL,” said the former Test fast bowler and added that the mega project required a whole-hearted backing from the media in order to flourish.

“In Pakistan there is great passion for the game of cricket due to which we are really excited about the PSL,” Wasim maintained.

Ramiz, endorsing Wasim’s views, said organising the league is a very positive move from the PCB for the benefit of Pakistan cricket. “It is a positive step on part of the PCB which is, in fact, a source of satisfaction since it contains all what we always wanted in Pakistan cricket, said Ramiz. “No doubt, it demands a lot of hard work and management skills as you would be inviting big players from across the cricketing world.”

“We were just a call away from accepting the role of brand ambassadors for the PSL and even if the PCB had not appointed us in this capacity, our opinion would still have been genuine for the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” said Ramiz and added that they were grateful to Sethi and PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan for offering them the all-important role.

To a question, PSL brand ambassador Wasim said that though he had signed a contract with the Masters Cricket League, his first priority will be the PSL for which he could leave anything.

Wasim dispelled the impression that top T20 players might not participate in the PSL, saying that it was not something to be worried about as the inaugural edition of the PSL would still be able to get worldwide recognition while the top players will be easily lured in the subsequent editions. “Obviously, you take a small step for a big target. We will try to create an ideal image of the PSL and then bring it to Pakistan where big crowd will be available to see matches in every city,” said Wasim. “A good number of big name players have already shown interest in the PSL and more will also be attracted.”

“It is not an issue if top T20 players don’t opt to join the nascent PSL due to their busy schedules or other issues since it’s only the beginning. However, we would be able to lure top players through our better management of the league,” he said.

When queried whether young players would also earn substantially from PSL, Ramiz said it is a way forward for the emerging players and the money will come automatically. “The kind of experience they will get is priceless,” he said. “The kind of environment young players will share in the dressing room as well as during practice sessions with international players is simply invaluable which will definitely help them groom.”

Ramiz added that the PSL could provide cricketers with opportunities besides ensuring their financial interest. “Around 70 to 80 players in our domestic cricket would be able to get monetary benefits from the PSL.”

Wasim also backed Ramiz’s views and said: “The players will get exposure and confidence the way Indian players are getting in the IPL by playing alongside superstars. We will get good cricketers soon through the PSL and our youngsters will surely benefit.”

“We are currently faced with a dearth of quality off-spinners which could only be addressed through the PSL since two emerging players are to be inducted in each team,” maintained the fast bowling icon.

Commenting on the key issue of big crowd staying away from the games in Doha, Wasim said it was not a worry since people and fans from all over have been following Pakistan cricket matches eagerly, whether played in the UAE or other venues.

Meanwhile, Sethi said that ICC rules and regulations will be strictly followed in the PSL which, he said, should now be accepted as reality by the critics who have been doubting its launch. “The kind of steps we have so far taken including the unveiling of PSL loge reflect the fact that steps are being taken in the right direction. Those who are still doubtful will not admit even after we have hosted it successfully,” he said.

He further said that a small amount as honorarium has been offered to both Wasim and Ramiz which is nothing compared with their stature as international cricketers. “They have only accepted the honorarium on our insistence and are mainly keen to serve Pakistan cricket,” Sethi said.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2015

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