KARACHI, Pakistan: Pakistan cricket authorities insisted yesterday that preparations were well on course for a Twenty20 league with international stars in March next year.
The Pakistan Premier League -- devised on the pattern of leagues in India, Australia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka -- is seen as a key step towards reviving international cricket in the country, suspended since a deadly militant attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.
The incident prompted international teams to shun tours to Pakistan on security fears, forcing Pakistan to play their home series at neutral venues in the United Arab Emirates, England and New Zealand.
PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf said work on the league was progressing well.
“The response so far is very good,” Ashraf said. “The issue of number of teams and players has still to be decided but it’s in the planning stage.”
Meanwhile, disgraced former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif said yesterday his appeal against a seven-year ban for spot-fixing will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in February.
The 29-year-old was jailed by a British court in November last year after being found guilty of corruption charges over deliberate no-balls during the Lord’s Test against England in August 2010. Asif, who returned to Pakistan on Sunday, told reporters he had taken his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sports.
“My appeal against the ICC ban will be heard in February next year and I hope that I will get justice.” agencies
