Former CEO of ICC Haroon Lorgat believes that theproposed Pakistan Premier League T20 event can be a big stepping stone for thereturn of international teams to Pakistan.
Speaking to the media at the Gaddafi stadium on Thursday, Lorgatfelt the key to making the premier league a success was the participation ofinternational players.
"I think it will be a big stepping stone ifinternational players come to play in the league. That will give confidence toplayers that cricket is played and can be played in a secure venue there is noreason why they can't convince their boards to tour as national teams,"Lorgat said.
Lorgat's appearance at the PCB headquarters came as a surprisefor the media as like in the case of the former England coach, Peter Moores onWednesday, the board had made no prior announcements about the former ICCofficial's visit.
After meeting with the PCB Chairman, Zaka Ashraf, chief operatingofficer, Subhan Ahmad, director-general cricket, Javed Miandad and other keyofficials to discuss the league, Lorgat told the media that he could see thePCB is determined to have it early next year.
"There is lot of planning and detail to be done. Lotsof work to be done but I can see there is a lot of energy will anddetermination to get this league off the ground," he said.
Lorgat stopped over in Lahore on way to Sri Lanka where theboard has signed him on as a advisor and consultant.
Ashraf said that Lorgat had always been a great friend of Pakistanand it was a great day for Pakistan cricket that he had decided to stop inLahore.
"He has come to Pakistan on ourinvitation to discuss matters of significance. These days our focus is onorganizing premier league in Pakistan we thought that there is no better personthan Haroon to guide us on various organizational aspects of the league. Wesought his views and advice and are thankful to him for guiding us on number ofmatters."