Daily Times

DUBAI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will not allow their players to participate in this year’s T10 League unless the board is satisfied about the finances behind the league. It is the second significant development ahead of the second edition of the T10 League, after the league’s president, Salman Iqbal — also a major investor in the tournament — stepped down citing a lack of “transparency” and “proper systems and monitoring”. PCB chairman Ehsan Mani has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking reassurances about the league “being clean”.

“I am holding back my position [on providing an NOC to the Pakistan players to participate in the T10 until I am fully satisfied with specifics on whose money is fueling this league,” Mani told reporters in Dubai. “In fact, I have asked the ICC for reassurance because they have sanctioned it and I need it in writing that they are totally satisfied that this league has no
such element that can bring Pakistan players into dispute. Unfortunately, our players get trapped into sinister machinations often so my top priority is to protect my players as, for us, reputation of Pakistan is far more important.”

The T10 League, a 10-overs-a-side format introduced by private cricket organisers in Sharjah, made its debut late last year, and the success of its opening season has led to an increase from six teams to eight and from a 13-match tournament held over four days to a 28-game event over ten days. The PCB had levied a fee of $400,000 on the league and, for extending its support, they are supposed to get another $600,000.

Iqbal, the owner of the ARY Media Group and the Pakistan Super League’s second-most expensive team, Karachi Kings, struck a deal with UAE-based businessman Shaji ul Mulk for launching the league last year. The second edition is set to run from November 23 to December 2. Prominent players like Rashid Khan, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum and Andre Russell have committed to taking part this season.

However, in a surprise move, Iqbal resigned from the position of president on September 19, and disassociated himself from all its operations. His presence in the league was a major driver in pulling in Pakistan players managing to rope in a number of the top nationally contracted players. Initially the PCB wasn’t willing to allow its players to take part since it clashed with the commercial interests of the PSL in the UAE. But Iqbal, despite having a stake in the PSL, managed to convince the then PCB chairman Najam Sethi to let them participate. The commitment, however, now stands revoked under the new chairman.

Published in Daily Times, September 24^th 2018.