KPL-sportstiger

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Kashmir Premier League (KPL) will be sending a formal invitation to Virat Kohli to take part in the second edition of the T20 league, KPL President, Arif Malik, has confirmed. Malik has said that the league has decided to send an invitation to Kohli, adding that “it’s a message of peace from our side”.

“[Mohammad] 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.”

Notably, the inaugural edition of the league was played last year and has sparked huge controversy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had expressed its concerns over the organization of the league and had also warned other cricket boards as well as foreign players to not get involved in the league in any capacity. Else, they would be neither allowed to enter India nor will get a chance to work in any capacity with Indian cricket. So, it remains to be seen if Kohli accepts the invitation or not.

Earlier, Pakistan former captain Rashid Latif who is also the Director of Cricket Operations of KPL had said that the league will be sending invitations to BCCI and other boards as well.

“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.”

Notably, the second edition of the Kashmir Premier League is all set to take place in August this year. A total of eight teams (two new teams) will be squaring off for the coveted title.