Daily Times

A great cricketing moment has come to Pakistan after a good 25 years as the country is hosting a complete cricket event involving a number of foreign cricketers. The fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League is open to watch and cheer. Once Pakistan was the centre of high profile cricket, even hosting the 1996 ICC World Cup. Then 9/11 and the ensuing war on terror changed everything. The attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009 was the last nail in the coffin of international cricket in Pakistan. After the attack, Pakistan started cricket from scratch and for years, it kept the flame of cricket alive on foreign venues, called neutral venues. Gradually, the board management with political backing of the government brought international cricket back to Pakistan. No doubt international cricket has returned to Pakistan in phases. And the fifth PSL edition is the concluding phase.

Now, as holders Quetta Gladiators and two-time champions Islamabad United kick off the tournament, the HBL Pakistan Super League will keep the nation engaged with cricket for the next four weeks. The tournament is a milestone in many ways. First, the entire gala is being played in Pakistan. Secondly, the tournament has widened its outreach from Lahore and Karachi to other cities as well. Finally, the tournament’s successful conduct will be a source of satisfaction not only for Pakistan but the entire cricketing world. PSL is going to feature six teams with international cricketers like Kumar Sangakkara, Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, Brendon McCullum, Shane Watson, Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine. There will be a great opportunity for youngsters to be exposed to quality cricket and learn new skills. PSL has become a platform for new talent like pacers like Hasan Ali and spinner Shadab Khan. Of course the tournament will also test the prowess of out-of-form Sarfraz Khan, Hasan Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Asif Ali and Sharjeel Khan. Big crowds expected in all matches as tickets have been sold out online within hours of the opening of sales. *