The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has become a financial powerhouse for Pakistan cricket, according to the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee, Najam Sethi. He stated that the team’s absence from the 2023 World Cup would not massively affect the board’s finances.
However, Sethi also expressed concerns about India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, which may lead to the Pakistani government not allowing the national team to participate in the World Cup. Sethi suggests a hybrid model to solve the Indo-Pak cricket impasse, allowing India to play matches at neutral venues to ensure smooth hosting of ICC and ACC events.
PSL and its financial benefits for Pakistan cricket
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been a resounding success story for Pakistan cricket. Launched in 2015, it has become a financial powerhouse, providing a major impetus to the sport in the country. According to PCB Chief, Najam Sethi, the PSL has added a considerable amount to the board’s coffers, providing stability to the domestic cricket infrastructure.
However, Sethi also expressed his concerns about the ongoing tensions between the Indian and Pakistani cricket boards. Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Sethi highlighted that if India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, it could have significant implications for the Men in Green’s participation in the World Cup 2023.
Najam Sethi concerns about India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup
“In case of India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan to compete in the Asia Cup, chances are there that the Pakistan government would not allow the Men in Green to cross the borders for their World Cup participation. In that case, cricket will be the ultimate sufferer,” Sethi said.
The India-Pakistan cricket impasse has been ongoing for several years, with both boards refusing to play bilateral series due to political tensions between the two countries. This has led to disruptions in the international cricket calendar, with the Asia Cup being postponed twice due to the issue.
To resolve this issue, Sethi suggested a novel solution, a hybrid model that allows India to play matches at neutral venues. This would ensure smooth hosting of ICC and ACC events, without any disruptions due to political tensions between the two countries.
“There should be a middle way to solve problems that ensure the smooth hosting of ICC and ACC events. In case of India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the government might not allow us to travel to India to figure in the World Cup matches,” he added.
Sethi’s solution could provide a way out of the current impasse and allow cricket to flourish in the region. The hybrid model would not only benefit the cricket boards but also the fans who have been starved of bilateral cricket between the two countries.
The Pakistani cricket team has been a major force in international cricket, and their participation in the World Cup is essential for the growth of the sport in the country. With the potential threat of their non-participation looming large, the PCB would need to act fast and find a solution to the current impasse.
The Pakistan Super League has been a financial boon for Pakistan cricket, providing a significant impetus to the sport in the country. However, the ongoing tensions between the Indian and Pakistani cricket boards have led to disruptions in the international cricket calendar. Najam Sethi’s hybrid model could provide a way out of the impasse and allow cricket to flourish in the region. The PCB would need to act fast and find a solution to ensure the smooth participation of the Men in Green in the World Cup 2023.
