The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied the requests of players participating in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) to extend their stay in the league past February 3rd. PCB management committee chairman, Najam Sethi, stated that some players had requested to skip the upcoming exhibition match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators in Quetta on February 5th.
During a recent event, Sethi emphasized the importance of national interest in his decision to deny the requests. He stated, “The decision to host an exhibition match in Quetta was to put a positive image on Baluchistan, which is often considered a ‘troubled province.’ This match is in our national interest and we all have to make it successful.” He went on to say, “It’s our contractual right that whenever we want our players, we can call them back anytime from anywhere. This happens all around the world. I know, they want to earn money by completing their contract, but we need them to fulfill our national interest.”
The exhibition match will feature Pakistan captain Babar Azam leading Team Yellow, which includes players such as Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Haris, Danish Aziz and Saim Ayub. Team Purple will be led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, featuring Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Umar Akmal.
Sethi also urged the franchise owners of Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators to fully support the event in Quetta, saying, “The fans in Quetta are so excited about this match. We can’t let them down. We will celebrate this match to the fullest. Please, we need your support. We can’t afford any hurdle.”
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