LAHORE: For the first time in the five-year history of the HBL Pakistan Super League, the fans and followers of the league will enjoy cricketing-action in the country’s national language Urdu, though for five-over of each innings.

The league is to be held in four cities from Feb 20 to March 22.

The Pakistan Commentators Association president Mohammad Idrees had demanded of the resumption of commentary in Urdu language, which has totally been vanished from the PTV.

However, a PCB press release issued on Saturday states:”A star-studded commentary panel — including Ramiz Raja, Bazid Khan, Waqar Younis and Urooj Mumtaz — will call action in Urdu for five overs every innings, which will be carried on the local feeds.

“This enhancement is part of the PCB’s drive to provide improved live coverage to its fans and followers, allowing people to get closer to the event and the game.”

Additionally, joining the English commentary panel for the first time are Dirk Nannes, a former Australia and Netherlands fast-bowler, HD Ackerman, former South Africa cricketer, Mark Butcher and Dominic Cork, former England cricketers, and Kass Naido, while Danny Morrison, Michael Slater, Alan Wilkins, and Jonty Rhodes return to the league.

Meanwhile, the PCB has also announced the online streaming platforms and broadcast partners, which will take the on-field all over the world. Fans in Pakistan will be able to live-stream the entire PSL on YouTube on BSports, along with cricketgateway.pk, Tapmad, Jazz TV and Mjunoon.tv.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2020