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When PCB launched the Pakistan Super League (PSL), it aimed to compete with the Indian Premier League. Now, years after the inauguration of PSL, the Pakistan Cricket Board is all set to compete with Hong Kong by forming a tournament similar to the Hong Kong Sixes.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly planning to bring in a six-hitting tournament at the nation's grassroots level to promote the brand name PSL. If PCB, led by Mohsin Naqvi, sanctions the fresh cricket tournament, then it can be named PSL Sixes.
PCB wants to carry PSL as a brand name
There are multiple reasons why PCB wants to take the PSL name forward. One of the main reasons obviously is financial. By using PSL as the brand name, the cricket board could attract the audience easily. Additionally, unlike arranging the matches in the major venues of the nation, the proposed Sixes matches could be held in small towns and less popular venues where bigger matches are not possible to host.
By doing so, the board will be able to spread the game in corners of the country; locals will also be able to watch matches live from their local grounds. More spectators at the venues means chances to gain profit. However, nothing is finalized yet; the board is yet to take a final call on the proposed league.
PSL chief executive explains why they want to launch PSL Sixes
PSL chief executive Salman Naseer confirmed to the media that the PCB is planning to launch a six-a-side competition titled PSL Sixes, which will be a rival tournament to the Hong Kong Sixes. The cricket governing body of Pakistan believes that the very short format will provide excitement and entertainment to the fans.
"We will look into the prospect of launching this tournament, and it will be very exciting, entertaining, and engaging for the fans when it becomes a recurring feature. Maybe even going to the smaller stadiums and smaller cities, where we have not been able to take the PSL, and we know the fans are eager to watch cricket. So, a smaller event might be doable, which is what we are exploring," Naseer explained their concept.
Pakistan is the defending champion of the Hong Kong Sixes
The six-a-side tournament is not a new concept in world cricket. The first edition of the Hong Kong Super Sixes (now known as the Hong Kong Sixes) was held in 1992. Pakistan was the champion of the inaugural season. Amid the popularity of Twenty20 cricket, the ten-a-side and six-a-side cricket formats have gained some notice as well.
These kinds of formats' main focus is to provide the spectators with quick entertainment through the batters. Instead of hosting a well-balanced competition between bat and ball, the formats mostly show the hitting skills of the batters. Pakistan has a fair track record in the six-a-side tournament.
They are currently the defending champions of the Hong Kong Sixes. Pakistan won the trophy in the previous edition by defeating Kuwait.
