James Anderson and Ian Bell to play in PSL, Alastair Cook also in talks

Pietersen and Cook might face off at the PSL

The Pakistan Super League seems to be attracting illustrious names by the day. It is speculated that James Anderson, Ian Bell and Alastair Cook could appear at the PSL from England, according to ESPN cricinfo.

Anderson and Bell are definitely in, as they have already signed agreements to the effect. Cook is, at present, in talks with the organizers. As of yet, he has neither confirmed nor denied his involvement. Anderson has not played white-ball cricket since the World Cup. Bell was dropped from the squad for South Africa, so his schedule is free.

England’s white-ball squad will be unable to participate because the dates of the inaugural league clash with a series against South Africa. However, other England players can still play – including Luke Wright, Monty Panesar, Tim Bresnan, Jade Dernbach, Ravi Bopara and Michael Carberry. The players will be allocated to the teams through a draft. This will be held in December.

Sparks waiting to fly?

Kevin Pietersen too is in for the league. This leaves open the possibility of Pietersen and Cook playing against each other. If not this, then they may share a dressing room. This might create some sparks, as the two haven’t spoken to each other since February 2014.

Pietersen was told that he would no longer be a part of the future of the England side, and a cold war has existed between the two players ever since. Pietersen further stoked the fire by portraying Cook as a ‘weak’ man in his autobiography. He compares him to Ned Flanders from The Simpsons. It will be interesting to see how events play out.

Though Pietersen has acknowledged that Cook’s captaincy during the Ashes was ‘outstanding’, they still haven’t mended personal fences.

The format of the League involves five franchise from the provincial capitals of Pakistan – Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Islamabad. The total prize money of the league is a grand $1 million. It is being promoted as a tournament that will give a chance to emerging new talents along with having experienced players. It is also said that it will lead to a major positive change in Pakistan’s cricketing future. The tournament will be played in Dubai and Sharjah. The dates on which it is scheduled are between February 4 to 24.

PSL is a turning point in Pakistan's rich cricket history, says Ramiz Raja. Ready for take off, Rambo! #AbKhelKeDikha #LaunchShow

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) November 18, 2015