The popularity of Twenty20 cricket in Pakistan has persuaded the Pakistan Cricket Board to pencil in another twenty over domestic competition.

by Saj Sadiq

13 April 2011

 

 

The popularity of Twenty20 cricket in Pakistan has persuaded the Pakistan Cricket Board to pencil in another twenty over domestic competition.

The Faysal Bank T20 Cup was held in October of last year with the Lahore Lions defeating the Karachi Dolphins by 37 runs in the final at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore. The tournament was a huge success for the cash strapped Board and was played out in front of packed houses, in a family friendly environment and to huge television audiences. With Twenty over cricket a huge hit in Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board want to continue to build on the attraction of the shortest form of the game.

Speaking to PakPassion.net ; a senior PCB official confirmed that discussions were held at a recently conducted Cricket Committee Meeting and plans are in place for the competition to commence in June.

"Whilst thirteen teams took part in the previous competition, this time around the top eight teams from October's competition will play in the forthcoming tournament."

"The exact dates of the tournament have not been finalised but June is looking very likely as the suitable time. The tournament will be called The Faysal Bank Super Eights and of course we have to slot it in when the Pakistan national side is not on a tour."

The PCB official added that "The importance of the international players is a huge draw for the fans and we have to hold the competition when our international players are available."

Karachi and Lahore have been the hosts for previous Twenty20 domestic competitions in Pakistan but this time around Faisalabad is the front runner as host.

"We've not finalised a location yet, two or three locations are a possibility and are under discussion, but Faisalabad is definitely the front runner, given that Lahore and Karachi have already hosted Twenty20 competitions and we'd like to give a different city an opportunity to host the tournament."