KARACHI: Experienced England bowling all-rounder David Willey has cited “greater commitment and security” behind the move by renowned international cricketers from the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) to the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
This year’s IPL has suffered a significant setback as several prominent cricketers, including Faf du Plessis, have decided against going to its player auction in Abu Dhabi next week and will instead be involved in the PSL.
Willey, who opted out of last year’s IPL bid to feature in the PSL’s landmark 10th edition, opined that the latter league could be preferred as players get more game time than sitting on the sidelines for three months.
“I think it’s very personal. You never know how the IPL auction will end. I think the players have a bit more certainty and security with the PSL,” Willey told an Indian news website on the sidelines of the ILT20, representing Dubai Capitals.
“And, you know, depending on individual circumstances, people may feel that they’ve got a greater chance of actually playing in the PSL than sitting on the sidelines for 10-11 weeks, which can be a defining factor for people,” he added.
Notably, the PSL, which started with five franchises in 2016 and later expanded to six sides in 2018, has further expanded with the addition of two new teams from its upcoming 11th edition to be played next year.
With the upcoming additions, PSL will undergo its first major overhaul in seven years, bringing the total number of franchises to eight.