LAHORE – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the inclusion of former ICC match referee Mike Procter and former elite panel umpires Russell Tiffin and Rudi Koertzen for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) commencing from March 25. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Thursday night announced that apart from Aleem Dar and Asad Rauf, three other esteemed international match officials including Mike Procter, Rudi Koertzen and Russell Tiffin have confirmed their participation in the inaugural Pakistan Super League 2013. The PSL management is excited by these appointments after receiving positive responses from international players and match officials over the past few days. Mike Procter, the legendary South African all-rounder of the 1970s and 1980s vintage who was a highly respected ICC match referee, will be seen in action together with South African former ICC Elite panel umpire Rudi Koertzen and Russell Tiffin, the Zimbabwean umpire currently serving on the ICC’s international panel of umpires. Currently in Bangladesh, Mike Procter said: “I am delighted to announce that I have agreed to be one of the match referees in the upcoming Pakistan Super League. I was approached by the PSL management team and after due consideration, I am looking forward to being a part of this exciting event in Pakistan.” “I have always thought very highly of the talent and potential of Pakistan cricket and over the years, I have made many friends in Pakistan cricket. It is unfortunate that Pakistan and its fans do not currently enjoy their beloved international cricket stars at home and this cannot remain so. I am willing to get involved and to help change perceptions about cricket being played in Pakistan,” he added. On accepting the offer to officiate in the PSL, Rudi Koertzen said from South Africa: “We all know that Pakistan is going through a trying phase and we in the cricket family need to do what we can to help. It remains a very vibrant cricketing nation that always impresses us with its resilience. I have never had any problem umpiring in Pakistan, and I am actually looking forward to go over and catch up with old friends.” Russel Tiffin, who has been on the ICC International Panel of umpires since 1995, said from Zimbabwe: “I have been to Pakistan before on cricketing assignments and I am keen to take part in the PSL. With the talent we know that exists in Pakistan, I am sure this competition will be quite a spectacle and I cannot wait to be a part of it.” “I know about the challenges which Pakistan cricket faces and I know from my own experiences at home how perceptions can cloud the realities. I am confident that the PCB can deliver a safe and secure event,” he added. The five-team, 23-match, two-week high-profile event is scheduled to commence on March 26. Managing Director of the PSL Salman Sarwar Butt stated: “The PSL is in full steam recruiting top-notch match officials and exciting cricketers. In addition, preparation is proceeding apace in all other aspects and the team is well on track with its plans for broadcasters and sponsorship on-boarding.” He was particularly excited by the positive responses from players and said: “So far the response from international cricketers has been quite warm and welcoming, which bodes really well for the PSL.”