PCB faces challenges in holding Pakistan Junior League before T20 World Cup

The decision of holding the first edition of the Pakistan Junior League (JPL) in October has started to look like a bad idea by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as ICC Men's T20 World Cup is also taking place in the same month in Australia.

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja announced to launch his dream project Pakistan Junior League from October 1 but surprisingly ignored the fact that the T20 World Cup will also start in Australia from October 16.

As per sources, PCB has been facing challenges in hiring foreign cricketers as mentors for the team. Many overseas stars have apologized to PCB for being busy as commentators, TV experts or other media engagements during the mega event in Australia.

PCB has opted to appoint foreign stars as mentors for the three teams out of six. The remaining three will be former Pakistan stars.

The officials are hopeful that they will be able to sign big cricketers for the competition despite the world cup clashing with the junior event.

On the other hand, PCB Chairman also included Faisal Mirza in the PJL committee. Initially, his name was not present but in the office order, Ramiz Raja added by himself. A copy is also available with this correspondent.

In the preliminary list, Nadeem Khan was made the tournament director and the committee included CEO Faisal Hasnain, COO Salman Naseer and CFO Javed Murtaza But in the office order, Rameez Raja added Faisal by handwriting, a copy of which is also available with Cricket Pakistan.

It must be noted that PCB has also obtained Faisal Mirza's services as a consultant. A senior figure of the PCB also wants to make Faisal Mirza the director of the PSL. If Salman Naseer shows no interest, it would be possible but there may be strong opposition from franchises.