PSL: Najam Sethi talks about the possibility of having season 2 in Pakistan

Islamabad United had won the inaugural title under Misbah ul Haq’s captaincy

Following a successful foray into the avalanche of T20 competitions around the world, Pakistan Super League (PSL) is gearing up for a second season. League Chairman Najam Sethi has revealed that there is a possibility of bringing the tournament in front of cricket fans in Pakistan by hosting the final on home soil.

In a media release, Sethi stated, “We are buoyed by the success of HBL PSL (season) 1 and things are now getting into an exciting phase for season 2. I can promise that HBL PSL 2 will be bigger and better, and we will leave no stone unturned in bringing unparalleled cricket-ainment to the fans. We will also try our best to stage the final of HBL PSL 2 in Pakistan.”

Barring a brief limited-overs trip from Zimbabwe in May 2015, Pakistan have not hosted any Test-playing country since the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team during 2009 at Lahore. As a consequence, the national team has adopted United Arab Emirates as their base for ‘home matches’.

Islamabad United had clinched the inaugural PSL title under the leadership of Misbah ul Haq. Some of the high-profile overseas names who participated include Kevin Pietersen, Kumar Sangakkara, Brad Haddin and Chris Gayle. It remains to be seen whether star players from overseas nations will be ready to travel to Pakistan should the final be held there.

Sethi was also understandably delighted with the likes of Brendon McCullum and Eoin Morgan joining PSL during the second edition. The franchises have been given the option of retaining as many as 16 players from their squads in the previous season.

Aside from the retention window, teams can bolster their contingents through transfers as well. All eyes will be on the player draft which is scheduled later this year.

Sethi affirmed, “The Player Draft for HBL PSL 2 is set to take place in the month of October with UAE emerging as a likely venue since leading players will be engaged in Pakistan’s home series in the UAE.”

He added, “The draft order will follow the principle of placing the bottom-placed team from the previous year at an advantage. Consequently, Lahore Qalandars will have the first pick in every round. Karachi Kings will have the second pick, Peshawar Zalmi third, Quetta Gladiators fourth, and Islamabad United will make the final pick in every round.”