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Pakistan Super League receives Kevin Pietersen boost

by Sandeep Shivam Monday 21 September 2015

Kevin Pietersen confirmed his participation in the Pakistan Super League Twenty20.

©REUTERS / Action Images

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen confirmed his participation in the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Super League.

Ever since he was axed from the England team, Pietersen has been actively participating in various Twenty20 leagues around the world.

The 35-year-old expressed his keenness to participate in the tournament via a video message which was played during the launch of the tournament in Lahore on Sunday.

"Absolutely buzzing to be a part of the Pakistani mela (event) coming up in February. I can't wait to get it started," Pietersen said.

"It looks like it is going to be a wonderful competition. Lots of fun, lots of sixes, lots of wickets, typical T20 stuff.

"I am really excited to be a part of this wonderful tournament and excited to get going. I will see you guys soon."

The T20 bonanza which is scheduled to be played in the United Arab Emirates between 4th and 24th February 2016 will have 24 games and will feature five teams from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta.

Apart from Pietersen the other England cricketers who have been signed by the PSL are Ravi Bopara, Luke Wright, Tim Bresnan, Jade Dernbach and Chris Jordan.

The PSL has also confirmed the participation of West Indians Chris Gayle, Kierron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al-Hasan, New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliot and Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews.

Australian batsman Brad Hodge too expressed his interest to participate in the tournament in an interview to cricket.com.au.

"I've put my name down to be a part of it – fingers crossed, you never know what can happen.

"My name just gets put into a draft, and hopefully someone picks me up and I can contribute."

Each team in the PSL will be allowed a 16-member squad out of which they can have a maximum of five foreign players and the remaining 11 (two emerging players) will be from Pakistan.