The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has organised the Kashmir Premier League (KPL), a six-team tournament in 2021, where Rawalakot Hawks won the inaugural title. With the second edition of the league set to begin on August 1, and 2 additional teams being included, the KPL President decided to invite the former Indian captain Virat Kohli. Notably, the final will take place on August 14.
KPL president, Arif Malik has also confirmed that the league has decided to send an invitation to the former Indian skipper. “We consider this as a sign of peace” they added.
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“Rizwan gave a very positive message that cricket should be beyond anything else. So, we are sending a letter to Virat Kohli, inviting him to play in the league or at least come and watch one match. It’s a message of peace from our side, now it is up to him, whether he accepts it or not,” Malik said in a video message. “We are ready to host other Indian players as well. We believe that sports are the only way to bridge the gap between the two countries.”
We are sending a formal invitation to Virat Kohli.
It's up to Virat Kohli whether to become part of the league as a player or as a special guest. We are sending a message of peace through KPL and want Indian cricketers to be part of the league.
" Arif Malik President of KPL" pic.twitter.com/OopBpeZ6oj— Kashmir Premier League (@kpl_20) May 17, 2022
On the other hand, the former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif, also the serving Director of Cricket Operations for Kashmir Premier League, has said that the league will send multiple invitations to other international boards as well. He also hinted at inviting the Run-Machine, Virat Kohli, to this season of the KPL.
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“We should send an invitation [to Virat Kohli] but the decision to play lies with the player,” said Latif while speaking to Dawn News. “It’s good to initiate such a thing. I also advised [Najam] Sethi to send invitations to all cricket boards, which includes BCCI as well, for PSL. If we get good resources, we will try to put them to good use and organise a good tournament. We want people in Pakistan and outside Pakistan to enjoy the league.”
