PCB plans to host PSL4 in Pakistan

With each year passing, Pakistan Super League (PSL) keeps getting bigger and now the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to go host league’s fourth edition entirely in the country.  

The board is already planning to shift its second home ground from the UAE to Malaysia and is confident that with international teams and players agreeing to tour the country, big ticket cricket series would soon return to Pakistan.

The Sri Lankan cricket team attack in 2009 left a deep scar on Pakistan cricket, with teams refusing to tour the country. International cricket had come to a halt forcing the PCB to shift its home venue to the United Arab Emirates.

Though after seven years, Zimbabwe toured Pakistan in 2016, it failed to create much buzz. Even the first edition of the PSL was held in the UAE. But the major breakthrough was made last year, when the final of the second edition of the PSL was held in Lahore.

With fans showing huge support, the final was a huge success and taking cue from that, even the ICC World XI played an exhibition series against Pakistan last year.

This year, as the PSL gets ready for its third edition, Lahore will be hosting two of the knockout games, followed by the final in Karachi.

Talking to Sportstar, PCB chairman, Najam Sethi, admitted that the Board is now planning to host the entire PSL in Pakistan next year. “Hopefully, we can shift the PSL fully to Pakistan next year. That will pave the way for a full series in Pakistan by a top team,” Sethi said.

The seasoned administrator also confirmed that after this year’s PSL, the West Indies will play a three-match T20 series in Pakistan, starting from March 29. “The PSL will be followed by three T20s in Lahore by the West Indies. I hope to attract other teams to Pakistan in the next year or so,” Sethi added.