LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has turned down the request of players participating in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), to extend their stay in the league beyond February 3.
According to PCB management committee chairman, Najam Sethi, some players had requested the board to allow them to skip the upcoming exhibition match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators in Quetta on February 5.
While speaking at a local event, however, Sethi revealed that he has denied the aforementioned request by BPL-bound players in favour of national interest.
“The decision to host an exhibition match in Quetta was to put a soft image of Baluchistan which is considered a ‘troubled province’. This match is in our national interest and we all have to make it successful,” said Sethi.”Franchises told me that few of their players are not willing to come back from BPL. There are 4-5 players who have requested to let them complete their BPL contract. But, I want to give a clear message, they have to come back as we want them for our national interest.”
“It’s our contractual right that whenever we want our players, we can call them back anytime from anywhere. This happens all around the world. I know, they want to earn money by completing their contract, but we need them to fulfill our national interest,” he added.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam will lead Team Yellow, which will comprise of players like Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Haris, Danish Aziz and Saim Ayub. Whereas, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Umar Akmal will turn up for Team Purple, under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Wahab, Haris, Saim, Iftikhar and Naseem are currently playing for various franchises in the ongoing season of BPL.
Sethi also asked the franchise owners of Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators to fully support the event in Quetta.
“The fans in Quetta are so excited about this match. We can’t let them down. We will celebrate this match to the fullest,” said Sethi. “Please, we need your support. We can’t afford any hurdle.”
