PCB not worried with IPL snub

Lahore: The PCB says it is not concerned with the continued ouster of Pakistani players from the lucrative Indian Premier League.

"We are not going to talk to anyone or convince anyone to take our players in the IPL. We, in fact, plan to start our own T20 Pakistan Premier League. So we are not concerned about the IPL," PCB chief Zaka Ashraf told the `Express` newspaper. The IPL governing board and franchises have not selected or bid for any Pakistani player from the second edition onwards. The fourth edition of the IPL is due to be held in April and so far the organisers have not bid for any Pakistani players. "We have the capability of holding our own premier league and we have already spoken to major business houses and corporations to support us in this bid," Ashraf said. "We also plan to get some foreign players to appear in the premier league because once the league gets rolling things will only get better as far as participation of foreigners is concerned," he added. Ashraf also said that by launching its own premier league, Pakistan could not only raise the profile of the sport in the country and ensure financial rewards for the players. At present most of the Test playing nations including Australia, England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are holding major T20 leagues. Players like Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq are presently playing in the Australian Big Bash event and have also signed up for South Africa`s domestic T20 event. The PCB is also due to take a decision on whether to allow its players to sign up for franchises in the Bangladesh premier league that will be held in March. Ashraf also said that Pakistan had no concern with India`s stance on the umpires decision review system. "We will continue to support this system because we believe it has helped cricket and helps the umpires reduce errors in a match," he added. PTI