LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed his interest in buying a franchise in newly introduced Pakistan Junior League (PJL).
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja announced last month that Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium would host the first edition of PJL. Six-city based franchise teams will participate in the 19-match competition from October 1-15.
The young players will be selected through a draft system and each dug-out will have an iconic player who will serve as the team’s mentor or coach. The cricket board is looking for people who are interested in buying the franchises.
Talking to a local news channel, the star all-rounder said: “I have plans about buying an Under-19 team because it will be beneficial for the youngsters, both, financially and in terms of learning from experienced players.”
When asked about the criticism PJL faced from some of the senior cricketers, Afridi said, “Everyone has their own opinion and I don’t want to argue with anyone over this league,” adding, “I firmly believe that coaching should be done at junior levels because the senior team only requires man management.”
“I have spoken to a couple of friends about it because I don’t know how much it will cost. But I’m very interested in sharing my experience with the youngsters by becoming a part of the Under-19 PSL. I would be very happy to share my ups and downs with the younger generation,” he concluded.
