Ramiz Raja corrects himself over 'IPL over PSL' remark

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has recently opened up on his "IPL over PSL" remark, saying that the media misquoted him and he is well aware of the economic conditions of both nations.


The PCB chief, ahead of the commencement of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, claimed that no player would prefer Indian Premier League (IPL) over Pakistan Super League (PSL) once they adapt the auction model just like the former for Pakistan Super League.


However, Raja had faced heavy criticism from cricket fans worldwide after his "we'll see who goes to play the IPL over the PSL" remark. 


PSL, the six-team tournament, which was inaugurated back in 2016, works on the draft model where each team signs players in a draft at a different price span. 


The Indian counterpart of PSL, on the other hand, got underway in 2008 and is currently one of the best T20 leagues in the world. It works on an auction model, where players worldwide go under the hammer and receive much more than what their country board or other T20 leagues offer. 

"The main driver of that financial economy is the PSL. If we take the PSL to the auction model and increase the purse, then I'll put it in the IPL bracket. And then we'll see who goes to play the IPL over the PSL," Raja had told ESPNCricinfo.

However, after facing backlash from the fans, Raja, in an exclusive interview with Cricbuzz, elucidated his statement and said he is well aware of the difference in the economy of the two nations, and the media misquoted him. 

"I was misquoted," Ramiz said. "I know where the economy of India is and where Pakistan's is. We have plans to improve the PSL. We will bring in the auction model, but I was misquoted on the other part," he added. 

As far as the IPL is concerned, the ten-team tournament is up and running, with the tenth edition is moving ahead in full flow. 

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'Never thought they could win the Cup'- Anjum Chopra on Indian Women's team CWC exit

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"Glad there’s a shift of mindset towards spin bowling"- Keshav Maharaj after super feat against Bangladesh

South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has expressed his delight at the shift in the general attitude of the Proteas cricket eco-system towards the spinners. Maharaj made his comments on a day where he, along with his partner Simon Harmer, ran through Bangladesh's batting unit to hand South Africa a massive 220-run win in the first Test at Durban. The wily left-armer returned with unbelievable figures of 7/32 in 10 overs, while Harmer claimed the remaining three wickets to bowl the Asian Tigers out for their second-lowest total in Test history. It's extremely rare for South African spinners to call the shots in a home Test, and that too in such dominating fashion. For Maharaj, the moment was particularly emotional as he had his entire family watching from the stadium. He also thanked his domestic side 'Dolphins' for their continued support over the years. "I am glad there's a shift of mindset towards spin bowling in our country. Very happy for Simon. You can't take Test wins for granted, back to the drawing-room from tomorrow. Both my parents are here, my sister, nieces and nephews, special moment for me. I love playing at home. The Dolphins have been very good for me. I am very grateful to put in a performance for them today," said Maharaj during the post-match presentation. The off-spinner returned wicketless despite bowling 37 overs in the first innings. The left-hander stated that he took lessons from his first dig; he understood the importance of being patient with his line and length. It ultimately paid dividends for him. "Quite emotional, playing at home is always special. Glad that I could take the team over the line. It's just about being patient with line and length for long periods of time. Simon provided control, and that helped me. As cricketers, we are impatient at times. The hard work from the first innings paid dividends in the second," he added. Thanks to a mammoth 220-run win, South Africa has picked another 12 valuable World Test Championship points and moved to the second spot on the table. They will look to cap off a successful home summer with another victory when they lock horns with Bangladesh in the 2nd Test at Port Elizabeth from April 8.