(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
The Pakistan Super League (PSL), only in it's second year, has become a big name in the world of Twenty20 cricket, luring the headliners in the format.
The inaugural PSL was a blockbuster and the organisers are promising that the second edition - which rolls into action in Dubai today - will eclipse the success of first season of the lucrative league.
'The second edition of the PSL will be a greater success. It will be bigger and better, said PSL Chairman Najam Sethi yesterday.
'We are better prepared and have gained more confidence of the stakeholders after the successful start last year, Sethi added.
Islamabad United, who became the first PSL champions after defeating Quetta Gladiators in the final, will take on Peshawar Zalmi, led by World T20 winning West Indian captain Darren Sammy, in the opening match which will follow a colourful opening ceremony.
The stellar line-up in the five-team competition includes T20 superstar Kevin Pietersen of England, New Zealand's batting maestro Brendon McCullum, big-hitting West Indian Chris Gayle and Sri Lankan cricket legend Mahela Jayawardene. 'The first PSL was a big hit and there will be more fireworks this month, said Jayawardene who is representing Karachi Kings, one of the five franchises in the fold.
'The PSL is a good edition to the format and it will help Pakistan in producing world class cricketers, he added.
Karachi King's new recruit Gayle, known for his six-hitting prowess, is itching for the event to commence. 'I was happy to be a part of the event last year and I am very excited about the second edition," Gayle, 37, said.
' We (Karachi Kings) are aiming for a better show this time and title is our target, said the left-handed batsman.
The competition starts off in round-robin format, with teams playing each other twice before the top four progress to the play-offs.
The top two sides play in a qualifying final, with the winner going through to the decider while the loser is given a second chance.
The third and fourth-ranked teams play in an eliminator, with the loser knocked out of the competition.
The winner of the eliminator faces the loser of the qualifier for a spot in the March 5 final.
This year the Pakistan organisers have scheduled the final in Lahore eyeing a breakthrough in ending the drought of top-notch action in the country.
Sethi has been active in convincing the players and it is understood that most of the foreign players are looking forward to playing in Pakistan provided their teams reach the title-deciding game at Gaddafi Stadium.
'Giles Clarke (Chairman England Cricket Board) and his team visited Lahore last month and were hugely impressed by the security arrangements we made at the stadium and the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Sethi said on Tuesday during the ‘Meet and Greet' event to welcome the foreign players and coaches in Dubai.
'The government has also made a huge investment in securing the city and rest assured, we will provide foolproof security to the players who will travel for the PSL final, he told the foreign players.
Legendary cricketer and brand ambassador of PSL Wasim Akram spoke about the importance of the return of international cricket in Pakistan.
'Pakistanis are passionate about the game. My wife who is an Australian is staying in Karachi for the last four years and she is having a great time. Let me also remind you all that the government will do everything possible to ensure the safety of the players, said the former great fast bowler.
Another brand ambassador Ramiz Raja also spoke to the audience.
'Lahore is a beautiful city, the perceptions about the place might be muddled, but I can assure you that the players who will travel will be making a priceless contribution to Pakistan cricket, said the former Pakistan captain.
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