Former Pakistan cricketer states PSL is second only to the IPL

All the major cricket boards have accepted that T20 is the most popular format of the game and their best bet to attract a larger crowd to the stadium launched leagues of their own. The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Indian Premier League (IPL) was not only the first but is to date the most popular and successful league across the globe. Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja has affirmed that IPL is the No.1 league in the world.

The third edition of the PSL is all set to get underway in the UAE today (February 22) and talking on the eve of the same Raja praised the way the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has managed its project. He had no doubts in stating that PSL is the second most successful domestic T20 league only behind the IPL. The commentator is also certain that this season PSL will be bigger and better than ever.

He also went on to select one player he backs to be the most successful. His bet is on South African T20I skipper JP Duminy.

PSL second only to IPL

“Pakistan Super League has been a success story from all angles. Every year the player profile keeps increasing and improving and money keeps pouring in. Making their debuts in PSL 3 and vying for attention will be Chris Lynn, Colin Ingram and Jofra Archer. In per-match ratio term Pakistan Super League is second only to Indian Premier League.

“As the ride takes us into year three, you will get to see a larger canvas of players, a new team making an appearance and potential greats trying to outdo the known performers,” Raja wrote in his column for TOI.

The 55-year-old in a chat with Business Recorder justified his choice stating that it was a smart pick on Islamabad United’s part to sign Duminy who is a very good player of spin bowling and can make valuable contributions to the team with the ball and on the field as well.

“I believe that Islamabad United’s pick Duminy is pretty good, as he plays outstandingly well against the spin and is tremendous while running between the wicket. He is also a great fielder, who can bowl off-spin as well,” Raja said.