PSL grabs attention of big names from West Indies and Sri Lanka

PSL grabs attention of big names from West Indies and Sri Lanka: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is drawing attention of some big cricketing names from around the world. According to the information provided by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) some very big names in the T20 cricket, which includes 4 West Indian and 2 Sri Lankan cricketers have expressed their interest to participate in the inaugural function that is scheduled to take place in Doha in February 2016.

The West Indian T20 stars, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine and Samuel Badree, who have been a part of many other leagues around the world have shown immense interest and are likely to land up in Doha as well.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s jaunty batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan and all-rounder Thisara Perera may also be a part of the PSL. New Zealand’s Grant Elliot and James Franklin have also approved to be a part of the league. The long list of players include names like Brad Hodge, the legendary Australian T20 batsman, England’s Tim Bresnan and Michael Carberry.

Richard Levi the South African hard-hitter has also been in demand after his sparkling performances in the Natwest T20 Blast in England that ended recently. He represented Nottinghamshire and is expected to be a favourite of the franchises. Robin Peterson the Porteas spinner has also given green signal.

The players with a spot in the initial list have been divided into two categories Platinum and Diamond.

The PCB is in negotiation with sensational stars like Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum who will add further glamour to PSL’s opening year. Gayle is no doubt the hot favourite in the T20 format, and a PCB official confirmed the talks are in progress with the rockstar.

The official told The Express Tribune, “We know the worth of the superstars in the circuit, Gayle is definitely a top-ranked player and we haven’t given up on anyone else yet either.”

However the calendar of the cricketers from Southern hemisphere (Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) is packed in February this year, talks are still going on with some flamboyant favourites of the world to make the tournament a star-studded one.

Other than Gayle, Australia’s smashing opener David Warner, New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and the South African stars AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn are the names that lay in the priority list.

The PCB and precisely the PSL team will need to raise the stakes for luring the leading players on their busy schedule. Another favourite in the list is the ex- England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who according to an official is expected to be a part of the league. “We are confident of getting Pietersen; he obviously is another big name that can add a lot of value to the PSL,” he said.