'People know me well and I will spread the brand value' - Shoaib Akhtar expresses his interest in buying a PSL team

Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has revealed that he would be interested in buying a Pakistan Super League (PSL) team in the near future. Recently, a Pakistani journalist, Saj Sadiq revealed what conversation Shoaib Akhtar had with him. According to the tweets uploaded by the journalist, Shoaib Akhtar said that he would want Pakistan Cricket Board to add two more teams to the list of the teams in PSL.

According to the tweets, Shoaib Akhtar boldly claimed that he is probably the most loved player in Pakistan and also across the border. According to him, as people know him it would be easier for him to spread  PSL’s brand value across the globe.

Additionally, he also thinks just because he recognised worldwide, it would be easier for him to get investment from all parts of the world. He has also gone on to say that if PCB launch two more teams in the PSL then at least one of them should go to Akhtar.

I am probably the most loved guy in Pakistan, claims Shoaib Akhtar

This is the first time Shoaib Akhtar has in shown interest in buying a franchise team. The fast bowler who retired from international cricket in 2011 has stayed close to the game since then. He had a commentary stint with Star India before he opened his YouTube channel. Through the videos on the YouTube channel, he has tried to give his opinion on the game every now and then.

Shoaib Akhtar "I am probably the most loved guy in Pakistan and across the border. People know me well and I will spread PSL’s brand value across the world and will get investment from all parts if I have a PSL team" #PSL #Cricket

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) March 26, 2020

Shoaib Akhtar "PCB now have to launch two more teams in the Pakistan Super League. If they see that I am sitting with a counter-bid, they should make sure that one of the teams goes to me" #PSL #Cricket

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) March 26, 2020

PSL has six sides currently, namely, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators, Multan Sultan, Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi. Tournament initially started with five teams in 2015 before adding a new side from Multan in 2017. There has not been any official word from the PCB that PSL could have the two more sides.

But it would be interesting to see if they add another two sides to the league. Rawalpindi, the city from which Akhtar hails, doesn’t have a team yet. So, it is fair to assume if the PCB adds another team to the league, it could be Rawalpindi.

In comparison to other franchise leagues across the world like Big Bash League (Australia) or Indian Premier League, PSL has only six teams. Both BBL and IPL boost eight teams. In fact, the IPL could have two more sides in the near future.