[EXCLUSIVE] "Foreign players shouldn't have any problems playing cricket in Pakistan once things settle down": Atiq Uz Zaman

[The Bald Eagle]

In our latest exclusive interview, Atiq-uz-Zaman, former Pakistan Test cricketer and ECB Level 4 coach, unpacks the turbulent developments surrounding the Pakistan Super League (PSL), geopolitical influences, and the future of cricket in Pakistan. Atiq addresses the abrupt cancellation of PSL in the UAE, security concerns, political pressures, and PCB’s uphill battle to restore international confidence.

Key topics include:

The sudden shift of PSL to UAE and its controversial cancellation.

Political interference and the ICC’s potential role in the fallout.

Foreign players’ trauma amid war and safety priorities.

Financial losses for PCB and franchises: “It’s a heavy blow.”

Security comparisons: “If Pakistan isn’t safe, neither is India.”

PCB’s strategies to salvage future tours and normalize cricket.

How Pakistan’s security protocols reassure players: “They feel really, really safe".

Watch the latest interview with Saj here:

 

[MenInG]

The PSL IPL comparison in terms of security is a logical one but the fact is that $$$s win the day. IPL foreign players are more likely to come back than PSL ones.

 

[BouncerGuy]

I hope what atiq is saying is right but atm I am not very hopeful that foreign players will come back to play in Pakistan. AT least not all of them. Maybe some of them.

 

[Asad T]

At least Warner is coming back. Much resepct to him

 

[Sarmad]

Well that's the case in IPL as well. Starc not returning for Delhi..

But yes. Ipl is financially more lucrative

I hope what atiq is saying is right but atm I am not very hopeful that foreign players will come back to play in Pakistan. AT least not all of them. Maybe some of them.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Not all, but most of the players did come back to play the remaining games of PSL, which was a good thing. I am especially happy with how Sikandar Raza showed his commitment to his franchise.