Cricket greats hail decision to hold PSL final in Lahore
Former cricketers and experts laud PSL and PCB for resolving to hold final in Lahore
February 20, 2017
DUBAI: The landmark decision by the Pakistan Super League management and franchise owners to hold the tournament final in Lahore, despite the recent spate of terrorist attacks in the country, has been hailed by cricket greats and experts alike.
Commentator and former cricketer Ramiz Raja, speaking to Geo News, lauded the decision as “strong and very important” for the future of cricket in Pakistan.
“PSL final should be held in Lahore, whether foreign players travel to Lahore or not,” Ramiz said, hailing the PSL management for following through on its resolve to hold the final in Pakistan.
Former paceman Shoaib Akhtar has vowed the PSL would become a huge festival of Pakistan.
“Pakistan’s local talent will make sure the PSL becomes the biggest hit ever. I guarantee this, the PSL is on its way to becoming a massive festival in the country,” the Rawalpindi Express enthused.
Former captain Mohammad Yousuf believes the decision to hold PSL final in Lahore is a very important step toward bringing international cricket back to Pakistan.
“Even if overseas players do not come to Pakistan, the Lahore final would still be a big success,” Yousuf added.
Cricket analyst and former fast bowler Sikander Bakht praised the Pakistan Cricket Board, the PSL management and the government of Pakistan for making such a feat possible.
“It’s a great decision for Pakistan cricket,” he expressed.
All the franchises participating in PSL, in principle, have agreed to play the PSL final in Lahore, as planned by the PCB.
In a high-level meeting chaired by chairman PSL Najam Sethi in Dubai on Monday, all the team owners reinforced their solidarity and conviction with the decision of taking the final of the PSL back to its rightful home, the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore, which is also the head office of both the PCB and the PSL.
“It has been heart-warming to see the dedication of all the owners to the cause of taking cricket back home and there is a realisation that this final will be the first step in opening the gates to international teams starting to make the journey again. We are all committed to this mission and wish to have a thoroughly entertaining final where it should happen - in Lahore,” said Sethi while speaking of the meeting.
