Security fears threaten the Pakistan Premier League launch plans – Cricket News
The security problems that plague Pakistan continue to adversely impact the state of cricket in the country. The nation’s bright plans of starting a Premier League and inviting Sri Lanka for playing a series in the latter half of 2011 may not see the light
of day.
It has been confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board that in the last few meetings in Sri Lanka, various boards have been hesitant to send their players to participate in the Pakistan Premier League T20 contest due to security concerns.
"Sri Lankan authorities have also conveyed that they would prefer if the future tours program series scheduled later this year in Pakistan was held at neutral venues like Dubai and Abu Dhabi,” stated an official.
While the ICC World Cup 2011 was in progress, the Sri Lankan cricket board officials had shared positive sentiments regarding their willingness to play in Pakistan, but had clarified that the final decision lies with the government authorities. Their attitude
raised Pakistan’s hopes of receiving an affirmative response from the South Asian cricketing giants.
The PCB was expecting Sri Lanka to agree to play some limited overs games in Pakistan and the Test matches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
"The position now is that even the Sri Lankan authorities are not very keen to send their players to Pakistan as the memories of the horrifying attack on their team is still fresh in the minds of the Sri Lankan people," a reliable source said.
The Sri Lanka cricket team was attacked by militants in Lahore in an unfortunate incident of terrorism on 3 http://www.senore.com/Cricket/March-c74391, 2009 that left seven players and a coach injured. The team was on their way to Gaddafi stadium to perform in a Test match against the Men in
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Green-c60723.
Foreign squads declined the offers to visit Pakistan after this episode of terrorism. The International Cricket Council removed Pakistan from the list of World Cup venues.
Pakistan’s former captain, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Imran-Khan-c64237, had termed the tragedy as one of the worst security lapses in the country.
Later in 2011, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 is scheduled to participate in three Test matches, five One Day Internationals and T20 matches.
Pakistan Cricket Board officer, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 Premier League. He added that much of the basic work has been completed for the launch of the PPL series.
"Though there appears to be plenty of support for the PPL if it is held offshore at neutral venues," Rana said.
The idea of organising Pakistan’s own T20 equivalent had been perceived a few years ago, but the plan had to be postponed after the unfortunate incident with the Sri Lankan team in the country.
Tags: