'Hungry' Sialkot Stallions to go 'straight for CL trophy' following BCCI nod for inclusion

Karachi, May 13 : Pakistani cricketers have expressed their happiness over the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirming a slot for a Pakistan team in the forthcoming Champions League (CL), and have vowed to win that trophy for their country.

“Our aim is to lift the trophy in our first try because we’re hungry for success and have been kept away from this for the last four years,” Sialkot Stallions’ star all-rounder Rana Naved told The Express Tribune.

“Stallions have top T20 players, which makes us a formidable unit and we can’t be taken lightly,” he added.

The BCCI told Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Zaka Ashraf that it had no problems in a team from Pakistan taking part – a notion they will propose to the governing council. If approved, it will be the first time a team from Pakistan, believed to be reigning champions Sialkot Stallions, will be the part of this high-profile event.

“It’s great news for us, the players and the fans that they’ll be able to see Stallions in the Champions League. The board’s efforts have paid off and hopefully the Stallions will make their presence felt in the event.” Ashraf said.

“Srinivasan called me to give the good news and we also spoke about the restoration of a bilateral series. We might see Pakistan and India in action next year,” he added.

Meanwhile, Stallions’ pacer Bilawal Bhatti said the tournament could change the players’ lives forever.

“There are many players who are from poor backgrounds so the CL brings a lot for us,” he said.

“The money involved is something we can’t even think of earning our whole lives by playing domestic cricket. A good show can also invite offers from different leagues as well as the national side,” he added.

The CL is jointly hosted by the BCCI, Cricket South Africa, Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board.