Ashraf has vowed to stop the conspirators from ruining his plans
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf has revealed that there is a conspiracy brewing within his own administration that threatens to derail the country’s hopes of bringing international cricket back to its shores and stop the Pakistan Super League (PSL) from taking place on time.
Despite the conspiracy, Ashraf has vowed to push forward in helping bring international cricket back to Pakistan and host a successful inaugural edition of the PSL.
“I am aware there is a conspiracy to keep Pakistan isolated in the cricket world,” he said. “But we have not given up hope and we are confident we can organize the super league T20 and also this will lead to revival of international cricket in Pakistan.”
However, Ashraf refused to reveal the people that wanted to keep Pakistan isolated, but announced that plans for the PSL were on track.
“I know there are people who are pessimists and who don’t believe that the PSL can be held nor do they see the revival of international cricket in our country,” he added. “But the PCB has not given up hope and is neither dejected.”
But, the PCB chairman did admit that Pakistan were facing tough time since no international team has toured the country for four years after the Sri Lankan national team were ambushed by armed militants in March 2009, leaving eight locals dead and six players injured.
“Obviously when you take into account that no test team has played in Pakistan since 2009 and teams are reluctant to come here it is a tough situation for us,” he said. “Because we believe apart from perceptions international cricket can be held in Pakistan safely.”
There has also been growing speculation in the Pakistan media that the PSL could be held in the United Arab Emirates if international players are not given NOCs from their respective cricket boards.
However, PSL managing director Salman Sarwar Butt recently revealed that over 50 international players had expressed interest in participating in the PSL and the PCB were just waiting for them to be given the NOCs needed to play.
Sources within the PCB also revealed that Ashraf was extremely disappointed with India and Bangladesh’s lacklustre effort to help revive international cricket in Pakistan.