PCB to host 3 PSL matches in Pakistan; 15 foreigners ready, Chris Gayle refused

Last year, after a lot of deliberation and despite rejections, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was able to successfully stage the final of the second edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) in their homeland. The Gaddafi Stadium of Lahore hosted the match contested between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators. This year, three matches are set to be played in Pakistan, and 15 foreigners have already given a green signal on their participation.

Though some foreign players like Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels and Sean Ervine travelled to Lahore to play the final match, it wasn’t absolutely easy for the PCB to take the overseas stars to the then cricket-starved nation. But things have changed in the past one year, and the players are more open to playing in Pakistan.

As per the confirmation from the head of the sports desk of Dawn News, Abdul Ghaffar, as many as 15 overseas players are ready to play in the cricket-crazy nation, if their teams make it to the playoffs. 2 playoffs of the third edition of PSL are set to be held in Lahore, whereas the venue of the final will be Karachi.

2 play offs in Lahore and Final in Karachi #PSL3 https://t.co/MWcZOjNu9X

— Abdul Ghaffar (@GhaffarDawnNews) November 15, 2017

Players who are ready to play in Pakistan

Amongst the 15 players who are ready to play in Pakistan, there are some big names like JP Duminy and Shane Watson.

The full list: Darren Sammy, JP Duminy, Shane Watson, Imran Tahir, Carlos Brathwaite, Colin Ingram, Luke Ronchi, Colin Munro, Luke Wright, Darren Bravo, Tamim Iqbal, Sam Billings, Andre Fletcher & David Wiese.

Players ready to play PSL in Pakistan.
Darren Sammy, J.P. Duminy, Shane Watson, Imran Tahir, Carlos Brathwaite, Colin Ingram, Luke Ronchi, Colin Munro, Luke Wright, Darren Bravo, Tamim Iqbal, Sam Billings, Andre Fletcher, David Wiese. #PSL3 https://t.co/WbIij7Bcew

— Abdul Ghaffar (@GhaffarDawnNews) November 15, 2017

The probables

Whilst 15 foreigners are ready to visit Pakistan, 5 men are yet to give a confirmation. They have decided to give their final verdict shortly before or during the competition.

The full list: Chris Lynn, Mustafizur Rahman, Evin Lewis, David Willey & Jason Roy.

Chris Lynn, Mustafizur Rahman, Evin Lewis, David Willey and Jason Roy will decide on the matter before or during the league, after they receive a security briefing. Johnson, Morgan unlikely. Gayle refused . https://t.co/KjTBmj6aNz

— Abdul Ghaffar (@GhaffarDawnNews) November 15, 2017

The no-shows

Though the final will be played in their home ground, the Karachi Kings are very likely to miss two of their prized possessions- Eoin Morgan and Mitchell Johnson, since they are not willing to go to Pakistan. Chris Gayle, who is not a part of any PSL team this year, was against playing in Pakistan.