ILT20 confirms participation of Pakistan players for second season

The organizers of the International League T20 (ILT20) have expressed excitement over the upcoming second season of the tournament, as Pakistan players are set to participate, with the approval of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). 

Subhan Ahmed, the chief operating officer of ILT20, shared his optimism about the inclusion of top-quality Pakistani players in the tournament.

“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.”

However, the specific Pakistan players who will be participating in the tournament are yet to be confirmed.  According to sources, Shaheen Afridi have been granted permission by the PCB to take part in ILT20 for one week. Other Pakistan players are also likely to follow suit, depending on their availability.

Earlier in June this year, the PCB had requested the Emirates Cricket Board to make adjustments to the schedule of the next edition of International League T20 (ILT20).

The second edition of ILT20 is currently scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 12 in 2024. However, due to the overlap with the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the PCB had asked for a ten-day concession to accommodate its players.

In the previous edition of the ILT20, which took place from January 13 to February 12 earlier this year, Pakistan players were not allowed to participate despite attractive offers from the UAE-based league.

As reported by Cricket Pakistan, the ILT20 organizers had offered top players, including Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, substantial contracts, along with the opportunity to captain a team and sign a three-year contract. However, the PCB did not grant permission to its players to participate in the league. The then-PCB Chairman, Ramiz Raja, had even requested compensation from the Emirates Cricket Board in return for releasing the players.

“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.”

Subhan acknowledged the challenges of finding an exclusive window for all players due to the packed cricket calendar. Still, he emphasized their commitment to accommodating Pakistani players in the ILT20. 

“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 be available to play in ILT20.”