Doha will make its first impact on world cricket’s map when it stages the first Pakistan Super League (PSL) next February.
A scheduling clash over venues in the UAE had compelled the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to look to Qatar as an alternative venue.
PCB officials have been in discussions with authorities in Doha for some time, and another trip last week saw them finalise the deal.
The long-gestating Twenty20 league – it has been postponed twice before – is seen as vital to the PCB’s financial future.
“The way we see it, PSL is not just about cricket,” said Najam Sethi, chairman of the PSL governing council and a senior board official. “It is a unique blend of entertainment and cricket which will be the most exciting Pakistani product.”
The league will consist of five franchises in its first year, hoping to expand thereafter. It will feature 24 matches played between February 4-24.
Though no franchises have yet been bought, the board said it hopes to pull in players from around the world, except India.
“Top foreign players from all Test-playing nations except India have expressed interest in signing up for the PSL,” a statement said.
“As of now, the PSL team has consent from over 40 international players. In addition, top foreign coaches are also being roped in for the first edition of the PSL. The tournament will carry collective prize money of up to US$1 million (Dh3.67m).”
Sethi said several commercial entities had expressed interest in buying a franchise. The board expects to sell franchise ownership, broadcast rights and sponsorship deals during the next three months.
The PCB originally wanted the league to be held in the UAE. But dates for the tournament, in a tightly packed international calendar, clashed with the inaugural Masters Champions League, a Twenty20 league for former international players.
That tournament, run by a local business group, will also hold its inaugural edition in February in the UAE.
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