05 January 2023 , 10:26
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Middlesex could feature in Pakistan Super League (PSL) next year after the county's CEO revealed they are in talks with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over potentially joining their T20 league.
CEO Andrew Cornish told The Cricketer : "The PCB are interested in including overseas domestic teams in the PSL and we have held talks with them. Those talks have been very positive and we expect them to continue in the coming weeks."
The report adds that the ECB are aware of the ongoing talks and have 'no reservations' about allowing Middlesex to participate. The PSL is now scheduled to take place in February and March, meaning it works with the county schedule as the season does not begin until early April.
It is also stated that the PCB are likely to waive the entry fee for Middlesex, with the potential commercial value of adding an established English county to the PSL an attractive opportunity.
Middlesex will not feature in the PSL until 2024 given this year's tournament is only a month away from starting, but they may send a squad to Pakistan as part of their pre-season preparation as 'a sign of commitment'.
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The report adds that the potential partnership 'would also involve playing opportunities for Middlesex's women's side, junior sides and disability team'.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, who played for Middlesex last year, captained Lahore Qalandars to the 2022 PSL title (ARIF ALI/AFP via Getty Images)In last year's T20 Blast, Middlesex finished second bottom in the South Group and won just four of their 14 games. They have won the competition just once in their history, back in 2008.
Pakistan's star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi featured for Middlesex last year in the County Championship and described both the move and the opportunity to play at Lord's as a "dream come true".
"I know from my time in England they are a great county and to play at the Home of Cricket [Lord's] really will be a dream come true."