Most international players are not willing to play the Pakistan Super League – Tim May

Tim May, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (FICA), is of the opinion that most high-profile players are reluctant to participate in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to security reasons.

No international cricket has been played in Pakistan since the terror attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team outside the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, in March 2009. Over the last four years, the Green Shirts have been playing all of their matches outside the country, despite continuing efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to revive international cricket in the country.

The PCB is all set to organize its first franchise-based T20 league in March/April, with five teams taking part in the event. The board is expecting a number of current and former international players to take part in the competition, which can pave way for the revival of international matches in Pakistan.

May has a history of giving negative opinions about Pakistan and he expressed his reservations when Bangladesh was likely to visit Pakistan for a short limited-overs series last year.

The former Australian off-spinner admitted that he has not talked to any player directly but feels that majority of the cricketers would not be willing to take this risk.

“I think you’ll find the majority of current international cricketers will heed our advice. The security consultants came back and said that the risk of touring Pakistan in a cricketing sense is unmanageable,” said May. ”I haven’t spoken directly to any players but the feedback we are getting from player associations throughout the world is that players are very appreciative and understanding of the advice.”

FICA does not have the authority to stop players from taking part in any competition but the former cricketer thinks that situation in Pakistan is still not suitable for the sport.

“We can’t force the players not to go but I think you’ll find the majority, if not all, of current international cricketers will heed that advice and, unfortunately for Pakistan, not participate in this event this year,” he added.

There are reports that South Africa may tour Pakistan later this year, if they get the security clearance.

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Posted by Yasir Hashmi on Jan 23 2013. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.