PCB allow Pakistan players to sign up for SA20 league


image-la29uw4tPakistan players allowed to feature in SA20 [Source: Associated Press]

Pakistan Cricket Board has given permission to their players to feature in the newly formed SA20 league, slated to begin in January 2023.

It is understood that the change came after the league introduced a new wildcard emtries. The new rule allows franchises to pick one extra player in their squads, and at-least two Pakistani cricketers who do not have the central contract offered by PCB.

As per a report in ESPNCricinfo earlier, no Pakistani cricketer featured in the original auction for a number of reasons. There was a thought process that the players were snubbed because the franchises are owned by the owners of the IPL teams.

Commissioner Graeme Smith's views on new wildcard pick rule


"We are introducing a wildcard pick. Post the World Cup, we will allow teams to pick one other player. From a league's perspective, we don't get involved in the selection process. The teams go to the market and pick players."

It is still unclear as to why PCB suddenly changed its mind. It could be because of the postponement of the West Indies tour of Pakistan. The tour was scheduled in January 2023, but it was postponed so that the players from both the countries can become available to take part in the T20 leagues in the January-February window.


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