Former Sri Lankan cricket stars Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have signed up for the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) were delighted that the two retired legends of the sport had given their endorsement for the PSL which is scheduled to be held from February 4-24 in Dubai and Sharjah.

The Lankan duo join a star-studded line-up of players who have given consent including Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Kevin Pietersen, Kieran Pollard and Sunil Narine to name a few.

PSL chairman Najam Sethi said the signings of Sangakkara and Jayawardena was a good sign for the PSL, which is Pakistan's attempt to become financially stronger and eventually attract foreign teams to play in the nation.
 
“Sangakarra is a world-class sportsman and we are excited to welcome him on board. He brings a wealth of experience to the PSL. His inclusion makes the player draft even more exciting,” said Sethi.

Sangakarra, who was the second-highest run-scorer at the ICC World Cup 2015 with 541 runs in 7 innings, retired from international cricket in August 2015. In an illustrious international career, Sangakarra scored  28,016 runs across the three formats.

Sangakarra brings a lot of experience to the PSL draft, having played 594 international matches. The southpaw from Matale, Sri Lanka, has led various teams in his playing career. He led the Sri Lankan team to the final of the ICC World T20 2009 and the ICC World Cup 2011.

Jayawardene, who represented Sri Lanka in 149 Test matches, 448 ODIs, and 55 T20Is, joins a club of more than 150 foreign players who have consented to be included in the player draft expected to take place next month.

In an illustrious international career spanning 18 years, Jayawardene has established himself as a leading sportsperson with great mentorship qualities. Jayawardene led Sri Lanka to the finals of the 2007 ICC World Cup and the 2012 ICC World T20.

“Mahela Jayawardene is a class player and he adds more quality to our league,” added Sethi.

Jayawardene joins fellow Sri Lankans Kumar Sangakkara, Angelo Mathews, Lasith Malinga, TM Dilshan, Thisara Perera, Ajantha Mendis, Lahiru Thirimanne, Nuwan Kulasekara, Chamara Kapugedera, Dinesh Chandimal, Seekuge Prasanna, K Weeraratne, Jeevan Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Sachithra Senanayake, Dilshan Munaweera, Isuru Udana, Kithuruwan Vithanage, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Dushmantha Chameera.

Sangakkara and Jayawardene announced their retirements from international cricket during the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand with the former playing his final Test against India in August at home.