PCB considers Pakistani cricketers for ILT20.
The first edition of ILT20, held from January 13 to February 12 this year, did not include Pakistan players.
In the inaugural season of ILT20, the UAE-based league provided a generous offer of USD 450,000 to top players.
The organizers were offering Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan up to USD 900,000, along with captaincy roles and three-year contracts, in a remarkable offer.
In addition to the mentioned trio, Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Hasnain received interest from multiple franchises for the first ILT20 season.
Desert Vipers initially chose Azam Khan, but the PCB later denied the No-Objection Certificate for the tournament.
The PCB informed the players that they could join the league during their off-time from PSL and national duties. However, the PCB did not authorize any player to participate. Ramiz Raja, the former PCB Chairman, even requested compensation from the Emirates Cricket Board for releasing players for the ILT20.
The current PCB chief, Najam Sethi, has a more lenient approach towards the ILT20. In a recent PSL governing council meeting, he mentioned that it would be difficult to prevent Pakistani players from participating, as they are also contemplating the formation of an association to safeguard their rights.
Sethi holds the belief that PCB enjoys favorable relations with the UAE and can engage in negotiations based on the principle of reciprocity.
Someone suggested commencing the next season of PSL in Dubai to generate excitement and attract international players to the event.
Sources indicate that if the current administration remains in power for the next three years, Pakistani cricketers are likely to participate in the ILT20.
This is published in logicalbaat, on 18 May, 2023.
