Middlesex in talks to join Pakistan Super League in 2024

In a major development, County club Middlesex is likely to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024. Middlesex CEO Andrew Cornish confirmed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are interested to bring overseas teams to the domestic tournament and they already had a meeting to discuss the same.

As per reports, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are aware of the talks and have 'no reservations' about allowing the team to participate in the PSL 2024. Notably, the PSL schedule doesn’t clash with the schedule of the county team as their season begins in April while PSL usually ends by March. 

Thus, Cornish is hopeful and revealed that they had positive chats so far with PCB and expect that more will come into light in the coming weeks.

“The PCB are interested in including overseas domestic teams in the PSL and we have held talks with them. Those talks have been very positive and we expect them to continue in the coming weeks,” Cornish said while talking to The Cricketer.

Middlesex likely to send their squad to Pakistan for pre-season training

The Pakistan Cricket Board are also ready to waive the entry fees for the county side as they can gain a lot of profit by adding a foreign team. It is also reported that the Middlesex team is likely to visit Pakistan in 2023 for their pre-season preparation which is 'a sign of commitment' to the PCB.

The report further mentioned that the potential partnership between the Najam Sethi-led board and Middlesex 'would also involve playing opportunities for Middlesex's women's side, junior sides and disability team'.

Notably, premier Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has plied his trade for the team in last year’s County Championship. He had described the opportunity as a ‘dream'. “I know from my time in England they are a great county and to play at the Home of Cricket [Lord's] really will be a dream come true”.