Interview with Mr Jalaluddin, former fast bowler of Pakistan
[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=””]Profile: Mr Jalaluddin is a former Pakistani cricketer who played in 6 Tests and 8 ODIs from 1982 to 1985. He is now a coach, and is the only Pakistani Test cricketer who has the Accreditation as both ECB and PCB Level-III coach. He is the highest qualified cricket coach in Pakistan with Level-II Accreditation from England and Australia. Besides, he has also done his Level-III Accreditation from the UK. He holds the distinction of performing the first ever hat-trick in One Day International cricket history in 1982 against Australia. In 2017, he was invited by the Chairman of Michigan Cricket Association in the USA, to work for the game’s development there and was appointed head coach of their team. Due to his extraordinary ability as cricket coach, the USA government rewarded him with permanent residence i.e. Green Card. The former pacer brought cricket academies concept in Pakistan and established Customs Cricket Academy in 1999 besides the Vital Five Cricket Academy in 2009 and JCA in 2010. Through these academies, under his coaching, many top class cricketers have been produced for the country including Fawad Alam, Yasir Shah, Shan Masood, Rameez Aziz, Saifullah Bangash, Muhammad Sami, Naveed Latif and many others. He was an integral part of the Pakistani cricket team during its tour to England in 1982 and India in 1983. He is currently attached with Pakistan Cricket Board as the Chief Selector of Pakistan women cricket team. In addition to this, he is ICC Staff Coach.[/box]
Pakistan & Gulf Economist:Â What is your opinion about the Pakistan Super League?
Jalaluddin:Â Pakistan Super League has become a big brand of Pakistan. Starting off in 2016 as a Twenty20 cricket league with five teams has now become a substantial brand comprising six teams. It has already become instrumental for the resumption of the international cricket in Pakistan. Cricket in Pakistan has got a whopping boost in the wake of Pakistan Super League. There is no second opinion that Pakistan Super League has raised standards of the game and the players. This is an incredible opportunity for the youth of Pakistan to make their mark in the international arena.
Pakistan & Gulf Economist:Â How would you describe the brand PSL?
Jalaluddin:Â Pakistan received support from across the world for the brand PSL just as the accolades were showered on India due to the professionalism in the Indian Premier League. At the moment, there are two leading brands namely PSL and ISL in the realm of cricket in terms of popularity across the globe. Pakistani youngsters have got an immense talent which is being further honed through star-studded PSL. There is consensus that Pakistan Super League is one of the fastest growing leagues in the world of cricket which augurs well for the country. It is a fact that the surging viewership of Pakistan Super League reached 120 million during its 4thedition last year around the world and is likely to skyrocket during the current season making it one of the most sought-after brands in the cricket world.
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Pakistan & Gulf Economist:Â Your comments on the branding, promotion etc. of PSL:
Jalaluddin: PSL’s fourth edition is underway and has lured the leading cricketers from across the world. All the six franchises are immensely popular. The brand value of this franchise Twenty20 Cricket League was estimated at $230 million during the last edition, however, it is going to be higher during the fifth edition in the wake of surging popularity and the viewership.
Multan Sultans was sold for $5.21 million per annum for a period of seven years. In 2017, I came to know that Karachi Kings was the most expensive team, with the ARY Group purchasing it for $2.6 million per year for 10 years. Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators were purchased for $2.5m, $1.6m, $1.5m and $1.1m respectively.
Pakistan Super League is going to grow with every passing year.