Akhtar suggests T20 League in Pakistan
Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar suggested on Tuesday organizing a professional Twenty20 league in Pakistan along the lines of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to attract foreign players and pave the way for the return of international cricket to the country.
"I know there are many wealthy people in Pakistan who could organize such an event and it will help attract foreign players toward Pakistan," Akhtar told reporters in the southern port city of Karachi.
"If a Pakistan Premier League meets success I am sure international cricket will return to Pakistan."
International cricket teams have been refusing to play in Pakistan because of fears about security.
The paceman is currently playing in a domestic limited-overs tournament in Karachi as his appeal against an 18-month ban and fine of 7 million rupees ($86,515) for criticizing the Pakistan Cricket Board is pending in a Lahore High Court.
"I would request foreign players to come and play in Pakistan and enjoy our hospitality," Akhtar said.
Pakistan will end 2008 without playing a Test match after Australia postponed its tour in March and the eight-team Champions Trophy was also deferred for a year in September after five participating countries expressed their security reservations.
"It's quite frustrating that we didn't play Test cricket in Pakistan this year," Akhtar said, welcoming England's decision to return to India after attacks in Mumbai and said other teams should do the same when it comes to Pakistan.
"It's bad times for Pakistan cricket, but I think Pakistan is a safe heaven (to play cricket)," he said.
"Unfortunately the teams are not touring here," Akhtar said.
Of his own career, the 33-year-old pace bowler — nicknamed "the Rawalpindi Express" — believes he could still take 400 wickets in one-day internationals and play international cricket for another three years.
"I believe I am still the fastest bowler in the world and I am super fit at the moment," he said.
Akhtar has taken 219 wickets in 138 one-day internationals at an average of 23.20, but is injury-prone and has not played a one-day international for over a year.
