LAHORE: While it is time to give final touches to all matters relating to the much-publicized Pakistan Super League (PSL) that commences in less than a week’s time in the UAE, the fact is that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to answer many key questions about the mega project.

Only six days are left before the start of the high-profile PSL, scheduled to be held in Dubai and Sharjah, but the authorities concerned have dozens of problems at hand and are yet to announce the appointment of umpires and referees for the matches. However, people in the PCB are trying to pose as if PSL is all set for a grand and smooth launching which is, indeed, far from the truth.

In Lahore, there is a great concern prevailing among the elite panel of the PCB umpires and referees about their appointments in the PSL matches. “We are hoping that most of the elite panel umpires and referees of the PCB will be appointed to supervise these matches along with international umpires,” stated one of the referees of the elite panel while talking to Dawn. “But we are also concerned as there are reports that there is not much in store for us,” he added.

Another umpire of the elite panel, while showing concern, said the local umpires had pinned high hopes on the PSL after the lack of international matches in the country during the past six years had deprived them of the opportunities, but the picture doesn’t seem to be too rosy for them.

He disclosed that the news emerging from the PSL camp are not encouraging for them since only a couple of umpires and referees are likely to get a chance to officiate.

Interestingly, the PSL authorities have issued details about the opening ceremony of the PSL but nothing has come out about the cricketing matters, especially in reference to the umpires and referees.

Meanwhile, it has also been learnt that among the three prominent foreign cricketers who will be playing in the PSL for different franchises, hard-hitting West Indian batman Chris Gayle is yet to confirm his participation for Lahore Qalandars due to reasons best known to him.

However, a key PCB official claimed that the dashing opener would certainly be reaching Dubai on Feb 2 to feature in the PSL.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2016