Ramiz Raja reacts after PJL is discontinued

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja has reacted after the Pakistan Junior League (PJL) was discontinued on Saturday.

The PCB Management Committee, led by Najam Sethi, revealed the decision in a press release issued last night.

Taking to Twitter, Raja was disappointed to see “that PJL has fallen to vendetta politics”.

However, to ensure there is a pathway for the high-performing teenagers and the country continues to produce talented cricketers across all age gaps, the PCB Management Committee has decided to revive junior series on a home and away basis.

It was also agreed to hold discussions with the Pakistan Super League franchises to include an Under-19 player under their Emerging Categories in the playing line-ups.

It must be noted that the inaugural season of PJL was held in 2022, with Bahawalpur Royals beating Gwadar Sharks in the final to clinch the title.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who is currently the chairman of the interim selection committee, had also lauded PJL in the past after working as mentor for the Mardan Warriors.

“The PCB deserves credit for coming up with this unique concept. The success of the first season augurs well for the future of the tournament. Within days players like Arafat Minhas, Basit Ali, Shamyl Hussain, Tayyab Arif, Aimal Khan, Uzair Mumtaz, Abidullah, Arham Nawab et al have become known to the Pakistan cricket fraternity and fans. They have progressed leaps and bounds in a matter of days and I am sure the experience plus the monetary gains that they have made will only make them hungrier for more,” Afridi wrote in a column for PCB in October 2022.

“The PJL is meant for our future stars, it is a concept that is visionary and will bear fruits in the years to come. I look forward to contributing in the future PJL events and as always will remain available to serve Pakistan cricket in any capacity,” he added.