Pakistan Keen To Build On Unexpected PSL Success
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s inaugural national cricket league has been an unexpected success, even though all the matches have been played in the United Arab Emirates due to security risks.
Since the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was announced last September, the country´s cricket board has sold five franchises for $93 million and attracted players from 11 different countries.
They include big names like West Indies batsman Chris Gayle and former internationals Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka and England´s Kevin Pietersen.
The biggest surprise, however, has been the response from Pakistan´s public.
Since matches began in the UAE on Feb 4, national television viewing figures have been higher than for the 2015 World Cup, with 55 percent of Pakistan´s TV-watching public tuning into the tournament at peak times.
Tuesday´s championship match between Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators in Dubai is expected to attract similar figures. The match is sold out.
"Big businesses have bought the franchises, millions of people have tuned in even though the matches aren´t in Pakistan, and our own young cricketers are getting a chance to rub shoulders with giants," PSL chairman Najam Sethi told Reuters.
"This is the most extraordinary moment for Pakistani cricket since we were exiled from the international game."
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