Islamabad/Dubai, March 17 (TNS): As the third edition of PSL nears its play off stage, there are whispers in the streets of the country already that which overseas players of franchises will grace the country in the quest to bring International Cricket back to Pakistan.
Three franchises, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United have assured that majority of their players are willing to play in Pakistan.
Lahore, will host the eliminator matches on the 20th and 21st of March. The eagerly awaited PSL-3 final will be contested in Karachi, on 25th March.
The Owner of Peshawar Zalmi, Javed Afridi confirmed on Twitter: That all the overseas players of his franchise will travel to Pakistan, just like they willingly came to Pakistan last season for the PSL final in Gaddafi Stadium.
It means that Defending Champions Peshawar Zalmi will have a star studded squad for the Pakistan leg of the competition.
Elsewhere, in the PSL Karachi Kings have managed to convince all of their overseas players. However England’s ODI captain Eoin Morgan will not participate in play-off stages due to personal reasons.
Tymal Mills, Joe Denly, Colin Ingram, Ravi Bopara, Lendl Simmons, David Weisse are the stars who will represent Karachi Kings in the quest to win the trophy.
Former Champions and league leaders of the current season Islamabad United have so far given no official statements. Albeit the sources suggest that there is a positive response from the Islamabad camp.
Multiple reports suggest that South African star JP Duminy, Samit Patel, New Zealand wicket-keeper Luke Ronchi, Chadwick Walton, and West Indian leg-spinner Samuel Badree will travel to Pakistan.
The Islamabad United team management although are hopeful that they get a positive response from English Batsman Sam Billings and seamer Steve Finn.
Once more, like last year Quetta Gladiators find themselves in quandary over convincing their overseas compatriots.
The two time PSL runners up will be without Australian star all-rounder Shane Watson, Kevin Pietersen, Jason Roy. Their think-tank are still trying to convince Rillee Rossouw who is yet to make a conclusive decision.
Although to save themselves from a deprived squad they have contacted Sri Lankan star all-rounder Thisara Perrera and they might also be joined by Mahmuddullah as he is currently on international duty and will be availiable from March, 18 onwards.
