Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed calls for a control in players’ participation in foreign leagues

The 20-20 format has taken the world of cricket by storm. Just a decade ago, T20 was not played much and the format was relatively new. The introduction of the T20 World Cup and the Indian Premier League transformed cricket like never before. Every country has got a T20 league of its own. The workload of the players has increased tremendously with players like Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle becoming popular franchise players all over the world.

Workload maintenance

Pakistan cricket captain Sarfraz Ahmed has called for a policy to control players’ participation in various foreign leagues to preserve players for the national team’s upcoming busy schedule. “We must stop players from playing too many leagues, we have a busy schedule ahead, including important series in the months to come and the world cup next year. PCB will decide what leagues a player should participate,” Sarfaraz said in an interview with geo.tv.

Pakistan is set to play a T20 series against West Indies in March followed by a one-off test against Ireland after which they will travel to England for two tests. It is necessary to keep the players fit and ensure that they do not wear out. Limiting the amount of franchise cricket will provide the players with the much-needed break and ensure that they are fit during national duty.

To play for one’s country is the biggest achievement and it must be the utmost priority of the players. Everything else is secondary. The Champions Trophy-winning skipper was full of praises for the Pakistan Super League. “PSL has become a talent factory, Pakistan got several players from the two previous PSL editions and I am sure talented players will continue to emerge and those who will utilize this opportunity will surely come forward,” said Sarfraz who plays for Quetta Gladiators.