Lahore–January 10, 2013: Pakistan Cricket Board unveiled the logo of the much-anticipated Pakistan Super League here on Thursday afternoon at Pearl Continental Hotel. The event was graced by the PCB hierarchy, the PSL secretariat officials including its high-profile advisor Haroon Lorgat, Misbah ul Haq, M. Hafeez, former and contemporary cricketers, and a large contingent of press and electronic media.
The PSL is scheduled to commence 25th March to 7th April 2013.
“The PCB is keen to take Pakistan cricket to a new level in terms of its visibility and the opportunity for players to showcase their talent. We would like to make Pakistan compete with the best cricketing nations in this post-modern era”, said the PCB Chairman, Ch. Zaka Ashraf.
The entire plan for the event and its scheduling was made public at the logo unveiling ceremony.
For the first three years, the PSL shall have five franchises contesting for the trophy in an event spread over 15 days and 23 matches at a single venue which include the two semifinals and the final.
In the fourth year, there would be a quantum leap in terms of number of matches, the expansion taking the total number of games to nearly threefold: 59.
There is intense behind-the-scenes work going on, such as player recruitment, and on-boarding of broadcasters, sponsors, franchises etc.
“Our cricketers have already showed that they belong in the top level in all forms in world cricket, but in the Twenty20 format they have shown particular excellence. Having won the ICC World Twenty20 2009 in its second edition, after playing the final in 2007, followed by two top-four finishes, their record proves that they are second to none.
“That is why our cricketers are most sought after in Leagues wherever they are played. It is about time that the PCB provided them and our fans an opportunity to see such world class players in action along with the crème de la crème of world talent.
“This is not merely an opportunity for our cricketers to display their talents. It is an opportunity to showcase Pakistan as a safe and vibrant nation for cricket. I am indeed grateful to Mr Haroon Lorgat for helping Pakistan cricket at this critical juncture. His consultancy is of a very high value. The PSL Secretariat’s endeavour also needs to be appreciated. In a very short while they have put the contours of the League in place.
“But the success of the PSL shall for a great extent depend on our media, broadcasters, sponsors and entrepreneurs. I am positive that Pakistan cricket and the PSL will benefit from their participation”, said the PCB Chairman.
