Pakistan Super League (PSL) caught the attention of the entire world with a spectacular road show at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. The event brought together top officials, cricket legends and current stars, with Mohsin Naqvi and Wasim Akram targeting the IPL.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has vowed to make PSL the number one league in the world. The PCB boss has stressed that the purpose of the Pakistan Super League is not just to entertain but to groom the next generation of cricket stars.
Mohsin Naqvi vows to make PSL the world’s No. 1 league
He also clarified that the league is being created to give the best platform to young Pakistani players to grow, hone their skills, gain experience and earn awards to “motivate them to perform better”.
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Naqvi also shared that the PCB and PSL organizers are working together to strengthen cricket in Pakistan, with the aim of knocking IPL from the number one spot. According to Pakistani media reports, Naqvi said at the event, “My goal is to make PSL the number one league in the world.”
Meanwhile, two star-studded sessions were held at the road show. The first included Naqvi, Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram and PSL CEO Salman Naseer. The second season saw Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan and Akram take the stage to thrill the fans with their presence and energy.
Wasim Akram called PSL entertaining, took a dig at IPL
The biggest talking point of this program was the great fast bowler’s comment on IPL. Akram praised the PSL for being short, fast and exciting, comparing it to the long, drawn-out seasons of other leagues such as India’s T20 league.
However, Akram still ranked IPL as the number one league in the world while PSL was ranked second. The IPL is one of the longest cricket leagues in the world, lasting over two months and consisting of approximately 74 matches including the knockout rounds, while many other T20 leagues are shorter.
Wasim Akram said in the road show, “The best thing about the PSL is that it runs for 34 days or a little more next year. It is not three months long like other leagues. Bavee ho ho ho, woh league badhi nahi hoti (The kids grow up by the time the league ends – they never seem to end).”
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The former captain further added, “PSL is the number two league in the world. It provides great entertainment for the fans. Most importantly, it gives our local players a chance to shine.”
Ramiz Raja and Babar Azam laud PSL for promoting Pakistan cricket
On the other hand, former Pakistan captain and former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja praised PSL for promoting Pakistan cricket in the world. Raja highlighted how the league gives young players the opportunity to play alongside international stars, helping to develop talent in the country.
“PSL is promoting Pakistan cricket. Young players get a chance to play with international cricketers; it is a proud moment for all Pakistanis,” Raja said at the event.
Additionally, Babar Azam received a huge cheer from the crowd. The former captain shared how proud he feels to represent Pakistan and also lauded his journey in the PSL. Babar also mentioned the guidance he received from senior players and his efforts to mentor young talents in the PSL.