Cricket starved fans in Pakistan will get more Pakistan Super League (PSL) games at home after the successful staging of the final of the second edition of the six-team tournament last year.
The PSL organisers have decided to play two playoff matches in Lahore along with the final this time in Karachi. And, they hope that staging of more PSL matches in Pakistan would bring more international cricket to the shores of Pakistan.
The announcement of the new schedule was made during the HBL PSL trophy unveiling on Tuesday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Speaking at the trophy unveiling, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi pointed out that doubters have been proved wrong as the PSL had become a successful brand. “I thank all the stakeholders, sponsors, franchises and above all the players for their outstanding support to prove the doubters wrong and make the PSL successful and help it grow,” he said.
According to Sethi it was an extraordinary gathering of some of the top captains of the world as he said: “Peshawar Zalmi captain Sammy is a household name in Pakistan as he was the first foreign player to raise his hand to go to Pakistan and play the final in Lahore.
“He was the hero in Lahore and he won the trophy for Peshawar Zalmi and the rest was history.”
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq also hailed PSL and said that T20 tournament had provided a perfect platform for the young Pakistani talent to come to the fore. “It (PSL) is the best thing that has happened to the Pakistan cricket as it has provided a platform to youngsters to emerge on the world scene,” he said.
“We hope to produce more Fakhar Zamans and Shadab Khans through the PSL to represent Pakistan on a bigger stage,” Misbah added in his brief speech at the function.
Six captain of franchises -Misbah, Brendon McCullum, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Darren Sammy and Imad Wasim – were present at the trophy unveiling.
Shahid Afridi, the most popular cricketer Pakistan has ever produced, was the centre of attraction as he shared the stage with Sethi and captains. “I salute Mr Sethi for taking this bold step to start the PSL which has changed the scenario of Pakistan cricket.
“It is one the top leagues in the world and keeps on growing. It has helped the youth to exhibit their skills.
“Since I am with Karachi Kings and I hope to win the title for Karachiites this year.”
Teammates at Peshawar Zalmi during first two editions of the tournament, Afridi and Sammy exchanged a light hearted banter when Sammy said: “Lala (Afridi) it looks strange to see you in blues. In my opinion you were amazing in Peshawar Zalmi attire.
“I accept it with a heavy heart but get ready we will settle it out on the field.”
The PSL starts on Thursday (February 22) when defending champions Peshawar Zalmi take on new-comers Multan Sultans at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and the final is scheduled to be held in Karachi on March 25.
