Pakistan Super League Gets Kumar Sangakkara Boost
Pakistan Super League is attracting top players, current and just-retired, from across the world. The tournament has been devised along the lines of Indian Premier League T20 championship.
Kumar Sangakkara is the latest cricket icon to express his keenness to play the inaugural Pakistan Super League tournament. The Pakistani version of the Indian Premier League will be played in the United Arab Emirates from February 2-24 next year.(Pakistan Super League Set to Light it up)
The franchise-based dream project of the Pakistan Cricket Board has already attracted the world's top twenty20 players. According to reports, the just-retired Sangakkara, who was an IPL regular and continues to score runs in the County circuit, is the latest to line-up for the PSL. Sangakkara's teammate Mahela Jayawardene, currently a batting consultant for England, will also be available for PSL.(Shane Watson to Play in PSL)
"Sangakkara is a world-class sportsman and we are excited to welcome him on board," Najam Sethi, the head of PSL, said. "He brings a wealth of experience to the PSL. His inclusion makes the player draft even more exciting."(PSL Wants Indians to Participate)
The PSL will see an auction of players in December. Five teams representing the provincial capitals -- Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Islamabad -- will have a pool of 100 players to choose from. Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Kevin Pietersen are some of the big names up for grabs in the USD 1 million dollar tournament. Twenty-four matches will be spread over Dubai and Sharjah.
The PSL could clash with the Masters Champions League, a tournament that will feature retired stars like Brian Lara, Wasim Akram, Adam Gilchrist and Virender Sehwag. Players common to both tournaments will then have to prioritise their commitments.