Rilee Rossouw, a batter for the South African national cricket team and currently with the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), shared strong opinions about the Indian Premier League (IPL). In a video circulating online, he stated that the PSL offers fiercer competition compared to the IPL, which he views as an extended event heavily supported by Bollywood, making it resemble entertainment more than pure sport. ‘The IPL runs for a lengthy period, while the PSL is shorter and features much tougher rivalry. The IPL benefits from extensive Bollywood involvement, turning it into something closer to a film than real cricket,’ he explained.
In related developments, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has faced criticism over its guidelines permitting employees to collaborate with PSL teams. This issue gained attention when ex-captain Misbah-ul-Haq acknowledged his advisory position with Peshawar Zalmi.
At the beginning of the PSL season, the PCB barred Sarfaraz Ahmed and Wahab Riaz from associating with Quetta Gladiators.
The organization explained that its regulations prohibit former players receiving PCB salaries from holding any roles in the PSL to avoid conflicts of interest.
However, Misbah justified his participation with Peshawar Zalmi, even as he serves as a compensated national selector and batting advisor for the PCB.
‘I agreed to terms with Zalmi prior to my appointment as national selector, and I only advise them on specific days during the season,’ Misbah stated to reporters while dressed in Peshawar Zalmi attire.
When questioned about receiving PCB approval for his PSL work—unlike Sarfaraz, a fellow selector, and Wahab, who were prevented from joining Quetta Gladiators—Misbah noted that his situation differed and suggested the PCB could provide clarification.
Misbah, who has held positions such as head coach and chief selector for the national team and has been affiliated with the PCB in various roles since 2019, argued that his PSL involvement aids his selector duties by allowing close observation of emerging talent.
‘Observing players directly and noting their responses in different scenarios simplifies decision-making as a national selector,’ he added.
(With inputs from PTI)
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