Shahzad is the most notable English player to express interest in the PSL
Former England bowler Ajmal Shahzad, who was considered to be a vital part of the national team’s pace attack only two years ago before being dropped due to his inconsistency, has become the most notable English county player to express interest in playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have been so desperate in their attempt to attract as many international players as possible that they have even offered a $2 million (£1.25m) life insurance policy, along with around the clock personal security for the duration of the tournament.
Three other county players with Pakistani roots, Kabir Ali of Lancashire, Mooen Ali of Worcestershire and Kadeer Ali, who is currently a free agent after being released by Gloucestershire in 2010, have also expressed interest in participating in the tournament.
However, whether they will accept contracts is still an issue that has not been discussed since the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) and the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) have warned all players to avoid travelling to Pakistan since the security situation in the country is anything but stable.
Despite the warnings from FICA and the PCA, Shahzad, who is looking to make a fresh start with Nottinghamshire after having a dismal 2012 with both Yorkshire and Lancashire, stated that he was still deciding whether to play in the PSL or not.
“It’s still early doors but if the PSL is set up professionally and becomes official and the security is top notch then I would think about it,” he said. “My first commitment is to Notts but the fixtures don’t clash with the English season.”
While Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell may object to players participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since it clashes with the county season, he noted that he would not interfere if players choose to get involved in other domestic Twenty20 tournaments, provided that they occur in the offseason.
“We would advise players to have full discussions with the PCA before making a decision about any overseas T20 tournament so they were fully aware of any issues, but we would not automatically block an NOC if it was requested,” he said.
Lancashire have announced that they are close to dissuading Kabir Ali from travelling to Pakistan and taking part in the PSL.
“We haven’t granted an NOC for any of our players to go forward to the PSL auction,” a Lancashire statement said.
Meanwhile, Worcestershire’s director of cricket Steve Rhodes has also revealed that Mooen Ali has yet to apply for an NOC certificate.