ILT20: Pakistan stars set to feature in second season of competition in the UAE

Organisers of the DP World International League T20 say the tournament will be boosted by the involvement of Pakistan players in the second season of the competition.

The country’s players were prevented from playing when the UAE’s new franchise league had its inaugural season at the start of this year.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board is set to permit its players to be involved when the competition returns in January and February next year.

“It is big news for the ILT20 that the PCB will be issuing [no objection certificates] to its players,” Subhan Ahmed, the chief operating officer of the ILT20, told The National.

“We are hopeful of seeing top quality Pakistani players featuring in ILT20 in season two. It will give a boost to the competition, and we are looking forward to it.”

Which Pakistan players feature is yet to be confirmed. The competition concludes just before the start of the country’s own franchise competition, the Pakistan Super League.

It also overlaps with competitions like the Big Bash League in Australia, the Bangladesh Premier League, and the new South African T20 event.

Players like Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim have been regulars in Australia’s Big Bash League in the past.

However, the stars of Pakistan cricket could be tempted to switch to the UAE competition given the enviable salaries on offer.

“We have had discussions with the PCB about the availability and timings,” Subhan said.

“So long as there are no clashes in terms of their commitments, the players will be made available.

“We do understand that, because of the crowded calendar, there is always difficulties finding an exclusive window where everyone is available.

“But we are trying to find slots where the Pakistani players will