Doha "will make its first impact on world cricket’s map" when it stages the first Pakistan Super League next February, according to Osman Samiuddin of THE NATIONAL. A scheduling clash over venues in the UAE had compelled the Pakistan Cricket Board "to look to Qatar as an alternative venue." The long-gestating Twenty20 league -- it has been postponed twice before -- "is seen as vital to the PCB’s financial future." Najam Sethi, chairman of the PSL governing council and a senior board official, said, "The way we see it, PSL is not just about cricket. It is a unique blend of entertainment and cricket which will be the most exciting Pakistani product." The board "expects to sell franchise ownership, broadcast rights and sponsorship deals during the next three months" (THE NATIONAL, 8/26). DOHA NEWS' Lesley Walker reported the league "was originally going to be hosted by the UAE." However, when the PCB attempted to confirm venues with the Emirates Cricket Board earlier this summer, it discovered that "the stadiums had already been booked for the February slot for the Masters Champions League, a tournament for retired cricketers." While the signing of the players has yet to be confirmed, cricketers from across the world "are expected to feature in the tournament lineup, alongside those from Pakistan." Sethi said that top foreign players from all Test-playing nations except India "have expressed interest in taking part in the PSL, with initial consent shown from more than 40 international players." He added that talks are already underway with potential sponsors and franchise owners and broadcasters have shown “great interest” in the tournament (DOHA NEWS, 8/27).
