The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has raised concerns over rising Indian investment across the foreign T20 leagues all around the world. The newly-launched SA20 and UAE's ILT20 own their biggest investment from the owners of the Indian Premier League.
Since India and Pakistan carry unstable relations among themselves, which have witnessed cricket diminishing among both nations, it is a legit concern for the Pakistani cricketers. The men in green were part of the inaugural IPL edition but were banned for an infinite period afterwards.
As a consequence, Pakistani cricketers are not eligible to be part of the franchises owned by Indian investors. This means their participation in SA20 and ILT20 is uncertain. Notably, all six franchises in South Africa's tournament are owned by IPL's owners, whereas five of six teams are owned by them.
One of the six franchises in ILT20, Desert Vipers, which is not owned by any Indian, has contracted Pakistan's Azam Khan. Whereas no other team in both leagues have decided to opt for quality Pakistani cricketers. Ramiz Raja, the chairman of PCB, worries that rising Indian investment across different leagues will hinder opportunities for the green cricketers.
It must be noted that Pakistani cricketers are not officially banned from SA20 and ILT20 like IPL. Also, multiple Pakistani cricketers have played for the teams in Caribbean Premier League that are owned by Indians. Fatima Sana was recently signed by Barbados Royals, whereas Yasir Shah, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Hasnain have previously turned out for CPL’s Trinbago Knight Riders, owned by the Red Chillies Entertainment consortium, which also owns Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL.
