Misbah-ul-Haq wants IPL-style T20 league in Pakistan

Misbah-ul-Haq repesents St. Lucia Zouks in the CPL

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has suggested the creation of a T20 League in Pakistan which could help develop youngsters, especially with no international cricket being played in the country.

Misbah had played for the St Lucia Zouks in the Caribbean Premier League, and felt that a similar franchisee based system could help Pakistan unearth domestic talent, as players would get to rub shoulders with international stars.

“Though PCB is doing its effort to bring international cricket back [to Pakistan], in my opinion, we also should have our own [T20] league,” said Misbah.

“It is necessary to have it either in Pakistan or in Dubai as it will allow our youngsters to play with international stars.” he said.

Citing the example of India, Misbah felt that other countries had the opportunity to try out some of their young players in a T20 set-up. He said: “Our players are not properly groomed because of no international cricket, and other countries get their young players groomed by having leagues where they get a chance to play with international stars. India is the biggest example where they are holding the league and getting their players well groomed”, reported Cricinfo.

Pakistan has not had any international cricket on its soil since 2009, when the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked by terrorists. Furthermore, even international junior teams have been reluctant to tour Pakistan due to safety issues, which has crippled the progress of Pakistan A teams.

Pakistan has proposed a T20 league in the past called the Pakistan Super League, but it failed to get under way due to logistical issues. Pakistan have been forced to play most of their home series in the UAE since 2009.