ECL will be beneficial for Pakistan cricket: Nasim Ashraf

Emirates Cricket League (ECL) chairman Nasim Ashraf has said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should not have second thoughts about sending their players to participate in the league.

The new PCB management after the arrival of Ehsan Mani as the board’s head has shown reluctance in sending players in the ECL, which Ashraf believes is not the right thing to do.

“The league will be beneficial for players in Pakistan and is a massive step for the development of cricket in general,” he said.  “I’m hopeful that Mani will allow Pakistan players to participate in the league because of his vast experience in the field of cricket administration.”

He further stated: “Being a Pakistani, I can’t even think about taking a step that will prove harmful for Pakistan cricket which is why PCB has nothing to worry about. Also the league is scheduled at a time when Pakistan has no other commitments internationally.”

Ashraf also highlighted the reason behind the creation of this league stating: “The reason behind holding Emirates Cricket League is to promote cricket in UAE as a lot of top international cricket stars, more than 250, are interested in playing cricket in this part of the world. This league is also extremely important to financially strengthen the UAE cricket.”

Speaking about league’s icon players, Ashraf said: “South Africa’s AB de Villiers is our icon players while others including Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi and Andre Russell from West Indies will also be part of our league.”

He added: “A lot of coaches from India, Pakistan and other countries are also interested in coaching stints with franchises and have already sent in their letter of consent regarding it.”

Talking about the details of each franchise and the composition of the sides, Ashraf said: “Each team will include five international cricketers and three players from associate countries while the 16-member squad will include three players from the UAE.”

Ashraf also said that the league is sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as well.

“This is an ICC sanctioned event under the governance of the Emirates Cricket Board,” he said. “We have written approval from the ICC and all their rules and regulations will be strictly followed.”