'I know where India's economy is': Ramiz Raja clarifies 'we'll see who goes to play IPL over PSL' remark

In an interview last month, Ramiz was quoted saying, "...we'll see who goes to play the IPL over the PSL."

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja had recently spoken about revamping Pakistan Super League (PSL) in a bid to change the preference of overseas players over Indian Premier League (IPL). His comments was highly criticised by Indian cricket fans and it came around a time when the BCCI went to the market with the highly lucrative IPL media rights. However, on Sunday, the PCB chief cleared the air on his "we'll see who goes to play the IPL over the PSL" comment.

Ramiz Raja, former Pakistan's national cricket team captain and newly elected Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) (REUTERS)

In an interview last month, Ramiz was quoted saying, "This is a game of money. When the cricket economy grows in Pakistan, our respect will rise. The main driver of that financial economy is the PSL. If we take the PSL to auction model, increase the purse, then I’ll put it in the IPL bracket. And then we’ll see who goes to play the IPL over the PSL."

Speaking to Cricbuzz on Sunday, the former Pakistan cricketer admitted that he was misquoted and that he is aware in the difference in economy of the two nations.

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"I was misquoted. I know the where economy of India is and where is Pakistan's. We have plans to improve the PSL. We will bring in the auction model but I was misquoted on the other part," Ramiz said.

"I don't know how the ICC members will receive it but how long can we allow ourselves to be dictated by politics between countries," Raja told Cricbuzz. "Star Sports had made a presentation at the last ICC board meeting where it said the India-Pakistan game at the Twenty20 World Cup broke all viewership records. Why don't we have more of what the fans want?"