Shoaib Akhtar wishes to own a PSL team; suggests PCB to add two new franchises

Akhtar believes he could give PSL a global identity with his massive fan following.

Shoaib Akhtar | GettyFormer Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has expressed his desire to own a Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise.

WATCH: Shoaib Akhtar slams Pakistani people for not taking COVID-19 pandemic seriously

Fondly known as the Rawalpindi Express, Akhtar believes he has a massive fan following in Pakistan, India and thus he could give PSL a global identity.

"I am probably the most loved guy in Pakistan and across the border. People know me well and I will spread PSL’s brand value across the world and will get investment from all parts if I have a PSL team," Shoaib told Geo News.

The 44-year-old also suggested PCB to add two new franchises to the T20 tournament and said that if he is among the bidders for the teams, the Pakistan Cricket Board "should make sure that one of the teams goes to me".

"PCB now have to launch two more teams in the Pakistan Super League. If they see that I am sitting with a counter-bid, they should make sure that one of the teams goes to me," he added.

Last week, the fifth edition of Pakistan Super League got indefinitely postponed due to the novel COVID-19 outbreak.

The tournament was in its last phase, with Multan Sultans set to face Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings about to take on Lahore Qalandars in the two semi-finals, slated to be held in Lahore behind closed doors on March 17.

The final was also scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium a day later.

Reacting on the rescheduling of PSL 2020, Akhtar had lauded the PCB for standing in solidarity with the rest of the world in this difficult time.

“You must have heard that PSL has been rescheduled. But don’t worry because Pakistani people, central government, regional governments, army, police have played their parts in the smooth conduct of PSL and thus congratulations to all of them,” he said in a video posted on Twitter.

“Rescheduling is not a big deal. We had to stand in solidarity with the rest of the world and we did. I also suggested the concerned authorities last night to postpone the event.”

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 27 Mar, 2020

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