Daily Times

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League chairman Najam Sethi said Monday that the successful holding of the final of the Pakistan Super League in Lahore in March would open a new a new window to bring international cricket back to Pakistan. “The final will take place on March 5 and its smooth and successful holding will serve as a gateway to ensure the return of international cricket in Pakistan,” he said during a press conference regarding the PSL gold sponsorship with Homage Power and Electric Appliances. Also present on the occasion was Homage chief executive officer Rafiq Parsa. Sethi thanked Homage to their support to Pakistan’s cricket and Pakistan Super League. “There is a collective effort by the people to make the league a success, and we are working hard to make it bigger and better this time.. The sponsors are coming to support Pakistan Super League.”

Sathi said the successful staging of the final would strengthen the resolve of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that Pakistan was a safe country for international cricket. “InshaAllah the final will be played at Lahore as we are taking measure with the cooperation of the Punjab Government to ensure fool proof security of foreign players,” he said and added: “We have all the backing and support of the Punjab Government to stage the final in a befitting manner.” The PSL chief said they were striving hard that final should take place in Lahore and they were in contact with the International Cricket Players Association (FICA), the International Cricket Council (ICC) officials and the participating foreign players and updating them on every aspect related to holding of the final to give them a clear picture of the circumstances.

“The PSL is becoming a success story with its each passing edition and we are very confident to hold its second event is a more attractive way in United Arab Emirates from February 9 to 17.” He said the names of the players who would be willing to play the final would be revealed in few days after completing necessary formalities. Sethi said the PSL had given a new name and identity to Pakistan cricket and it would help in identifying new cricket talent to rebuild Pakistan’s one day and T20 teams. “Unfortunately the performance of our both the teams (one-day and T20) was not good in its recent showings and there is dire need to give chance to new players which is only possible when young blood is infused keeping an eye on the future of Pakistan cricket,” he said.

Sethi said the PSL had become a success story no matter it was being played at a off shore venue which was evident that number of teams was increasing and now this year a sixth team was being added. “That day is not far when the PSL will be played in Pakistan and it will have unprecedented positive impact on Pakistan cricket, in terms of revenue generation and reviving cricket at home.” He termed the recent visit of Giles Clarke, the chairman of the ICC task force on Pakistan, as successful for advocating Pakistan’s point of view for bringing back international cricket to Pakistan. “Giles was quite impressed with the measures being taken for the safety and security of the foreign teams and we are confident to build on his tour to gain support from foreign countries to play international cricket in Pakistan,” he said. He said the opening ceremony of the PSL would be more interesting and colorful compared to its first edition.

Speaking on the occasion Rafiq Parsa of Homage said they had come forward to lend support to the PSL to promote the new talent which would showcase their performance in the thrilling event to gain expertise and exposure. “This league is a breeding ground for future cricket stars of the country and our main aim is to contribute to the restoration of Pakistan cricket to its further repute,” he added. He said the PSL was a step forward for bringing back international cricket to Pakistan.