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29 March 2024

Pietersen 'excited' about Pakistan Super League, UAE likely venue

In a file picture taken on December 5, 2010, England batsman Kevin Pietersen celebrates scoring a double century against Australia on the third day of the second Ashes Test match in Adelaide. (AFP)

Published
By Allaam Ousman

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen is the latest big-name cricketer to confirm his participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL)  Twenty20 to be held February most likely in the United Arab Emirates.

The former English batsmen confirmed his involvement via a video message played during the launch of the 2016 PSL at a glitzy event in Lahore on Sunday night, it has been reported in Pakistan media.

"Absolutely buzzing to be a part of the Pakistani mela (event) coming up in February. I can't wait to get it started," Pietersen said.

"It looks like it is going to be a wonderful competition. Lots of fun, lots of sixes, lots of wickets, typical T20 stuff. I am really excited to be a part of this wonderful tournament and excited to get going. I will see you guys soon," he added.

The PSL had already confirmed the star signings of West Indians Chris Gayle, Kierron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine, Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al-Hasan, New Zealand allrounder Grant Elliot  and Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews in the lead-up to the launch.

The inaugural season of the PSL will include five teams from the provincial capitals - Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta - and include 24 matches between February 4 to 24.

The cricketers, who sign up for the league, will be placed in a player draft.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had indicated the tournament would be played in Qatar earlier, they have talks with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) over the possibility of hosting the tournament in the UAE.

The PCB had initially planned on conducting the PSL in the UAE, where Pakistan have been playing their international matches, but they were forced to look for an alternative venue after being told by the Emirates Cricket Board that it was hosting the Masters Champions League (Twenty20 tournament featuring retired cricketers) on the same dates.
 
The PCB and the ECB, however, are looking at hosting the PSL in the UAE if an appropriate scheduling window is available, according to cricinfo.

ICC president Zaheer Abbas lauded the PCB for getting the PSL off the ground.

“The PSL would certainly boost Pakistan cricket and players especially the youth would benefit a great deal, while playing alongside top national and international players. It is really appreciable that the PCB has managed to take on board some of the biggest names of cricketing world. One thing is sure that it will be really a mega hit,” the former Pakistan batsman told The Nation.