THE launch of the Pakistan Super League in the UAE this week is being hailed as the dawn of a new era for national cricket. The ambitious, cash-rich T20 league, that will be played over three weeks in Dubai and Sharjah with five teams participating, is the realisation of a cherished dream for the Pakistan Cricket Board after the idea was shelved twice owing to logistical problems and security concerns. Inspired by the Indian Premier League, the PSL will provide a rare opportunity for scores of local youngsters to rub shoulders with international stars such as Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen and Kumar Sangakkara. According to the experts, the 24-day competition will do well if it achieves its main objectives, which is grooming Pakistan’s players for a more competitive environment besides sending out a positive image of the country internationally.
However, critics have correctly warned that any expectations of the league dramatically improving the national team’s performance may be misplaced since the fast-paced culture of the T20 format is primarily meant to entertain and enthral crowds all around. Pakistan, after having lost seven limited-overs series on the trot during the past 18 months, is placed among the bottom three in the current ICC rankings; remedial measures are desperately needed. While PSL promises to be monetarily rewarding for the PCB, the players and franchises, it is unlikely to redress the key problems afflicting Pakistani cricketers such as their inherent fickle-mindedness, inadequate techniques and their inability to take pressure in crunch games. Besides, by holding the league on foreign soil, the PCB is not giving an ideal message to cricketing nations around the world that have been reluctant to send their team to Pakistan since 2009. Almost all the other contemporary T20 leagues are being hosted by their home countries including India, Australia, the West Indies, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and it is imperative that the government and PCB take measures for making conditions conducive for the Super League to be staged at home next time.
Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2016