FICA warning to players about security could hurt Pak Super League: Lorgat

Lahore: Former ICC chief executive, Haroon Lorgat, who is an advisor to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has said that the warning issued by Federation of International Cricketers Associations (FICA) to players asking them not to travel to Pakistan because of security concerns, could adversely impact the tournament. FICA chief Tim May said most cricketers would heed the advice not to travel to Pakistan.

Lorgat, however, said the reality of the ground situation in Lahore was different from common perceptions. Reacting to FICA`s comments, Lorgat said it doesn`t help the confidence of some players. He added that there has been a very good response across the globe by broadcasters who are keen and interested. He expressed confident that the league will take place on March 26. The PCB said it did not recognise FICA and would not enter into discussions with them, dealing directly with the member boards instead. However, the PCB did not reveal which foreign players had expressed interest in the PSL and said they would make an announcement once the pool was ready. The PCB has not announced a venue for the PSL but it is most likely that the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is one of the leading options and that the board is already in talks with the Punjab government regarding security. The PCB has also engaged an independent security agency to assist in the arrangements. Pakistan has not hosted international cricket since terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009. Since then they have had to play their ``home`` matches at offshore venues such as England and the UAE. ANI