PCB Chairman, Muhammad Zaka Ashraf, wants a joint T20 Indo-Pak league. But this just seems to be a dream for PCB, whose own proposed T20 league is yet to start.
THE INDIAN government showed a green flag for Pakistan's tour of India, which was proposed by Pakistan some moths ago. Now, the PCB chairman, Muhammad Zaka Ashraf has gone a step ahead and has a futuristic approach, where he wants to see a joint Indo-Pak T20 league with the IPL though Pakistan is yet to start its T20 league. It seems to be dream of PCB Chairman for such a kind of league.
Ajit Wadekar, former Indian cricketer told this citizen journalist , “Where is the window available for such kind of a league? There is no space.” But, the plan is yet to be discussed with the BCCI.
Even the most sought after T20 league in the world, IPL does not have a window after all its success in the first five editions of the championship. He further added, “If we look at the cricket schedule, it is very tight for another 3-4 years.” But he also fears with such kind of leagues, it it is formed, “IPL will lose its charm and shine.” Viewers across the
world have recognised IPL as an Indian brand only, and any other nation entering into the picture might rob
India from its wealth as well, which is not shared with any other board.
The IPL has been a huge money churner, hence there are large corporate sponsors who queue up to be a part of the cash-rich Indian Premier League. The PCB is also aware of the money that the IPL is able to generate and the PCB might have eyed into this treasure as well, which would also help in the overall development of cricket in Pakistan. Wadekar also agrees that it might be the revenue that has attracted the PCB.
But, on the other hand, their approach might have have some other objectives as well, may be a political one, as both nations in the recent past have had a sour relationship, especially after the 2008
Mumbai terror attack. Wadekar said, “Perhaps, it (joint Indo-Pak league) is to have a better relation between the two countries and a diplomatic move as well.”
The PCB is expected to invite Indian players for their own T20 league, which is expected to start on March 25, 2013. But, here also, it all depends on the BCCI, who does not prefer releasing its players for foreign T20 leagues.