The officials of the Kashmir Premier League are keen on sending an invitation to former India skipper Virat Kohli to play in the second season. The first season was played last August with six teams such as Rawalkot Hawks, Muzzafarabad Tigers, Mirpur Royals, Overseas Warriors, Bagh Stallions, and Kotli Lions. All the games were played in Muzzafarabad with the Hawks becoming the inaugural winners.
Ahead of the second season, the league’s President Arif Malik released a video where he said that an official letter will be sent to Kohli to play in the league. Malik also said if he can’t play in the league, at least he can come and watch a game. He also said that the officials are looking to organize the second season around August 1 to 14. He reasoned that 14 August will be the 75th anniversary of Pakistan‘s independence.
“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,” Malik said in a video adding that the preparations are in full swing for the second edition.
Watch the video here
Arif Malik President KPL announces inclusion of Indian cricketer Virat Kohli in KPLØŒhe said We are sending a formal invitations to Virat Kohli,
Its up to on Virat Kohli whether to beome part of the league as a player or as a special guest#virat #Cricket @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/LkllhHNduG— Rozina Ali (@roseeyna_ali) May 17, 2022
On the other hand, it is highly unlikely that the former India skipper will get a permission from the BCCI or the Government of India to be involved in this tournament, directly or indirectly. The reason for that is the border dispute in the Kashmir region between India and Pakistan government which has been going on since late 1940s.
Last year, former South Africa cricketer Herschelle Gibbs made a claim that the BCCI threatened the foreign players and ex-cricketers that if they participate in the league in any manner, the board won’t allow them to work in India in any capacity in the future. Former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif has also expressed his desire to see Kohli in the league.
