Veteran Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has confirmed his interest in being part of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), terming the tournament an exciting prospect with the likes of Chris Gayle and Kevin Pietersen in it.

Azhar, in a column for Pakpassion.net, revealed that he has forwarded his name for the draft and hopes to be picked up by any one of the franchises.

Azhar has been playing county cricket in England since he last featured for Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup in West Indies.

“I am really looking forward to participating in the PSL. I have forwarded my name for the draft and will hopefully be picked to play for one of the teams,” said the 40-year-old allrounder.

The PSL kicks off from February 4, next year and will continue for 20 days.

Players like Gayle and Pietersen have already confirmed their participation in the PSL and Azhar has expressed his excitement about the league’s prospects.

“The tournament promises to be an exciting one with a number of top international players like Chris Gayle participating in it,” he said.

Mahmood, who currently plays domestic one-day cricket for English county Surrey, said that it would have been special if the inaugural season of the PSL had been held in Pakistan but backed the league to be successful regardless of the venue.

“Ideally, and I have said this before, I would have liked this to have taken place in Pakistan.”

“It would have been nicer to have this being played in front of our youngsters on home grounds as they can learn a lot from watching stars on the field,” said Azhar from the spectator’s point of view.

“Holding it in the UAE also has great benefits for Pakistan players who will be able to gain experience by playing alongside the top names in cricket,” said Azhar who has represented Pakistan in 21 Tests and 143 ODIs.