‘Historic day’ for Pakistan, says Mani as PSL star-studded closing ceremony kicks off

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani stated that the hosting of PSL 2019 final in Karachi is an historic day, while addressing the full capacity crowd at the PSL’s closing ceremony held at the National Stadium, Karachi.

“This is a historic day for Karachi and Pakistan that we are hosting the finals of HBL PSL 2019,” said Mani. The PSL 2019 closing ceremony was kicked off with a one minute silence observed in remembrance of the Christchurch mass shooting victims.

PSL's minute silence for the Christchurch terrorist attack !!#PSLFinal pic.twitter.com/onhLoSX9en

— Pakistan Cricket 🇵🇰 (@PakistanCric10) 17 March 2019

The PCB chief revealed that over 200,000 people have attended the Karachi’s National Stadium for the eight matches of PSL-Pakistan leg, whereas, millions have enjoyed watching the tournament on TV and digital platforms.

Mani thanked the provincial government, law enforcement agencies and the city’s administration, especially praising Karachiites for their support of PSL.

“You have seen for yourself the passion and love for cricket in Pakistan. Next year we hope to invite you back for all the matches in Pakistan,” said Mani, while addressing the overseas visitors.

@Carles5puyol Starts off with "Salam Pakistan". What an amazing sight. Visca el Barca.#PSLFinal pic.twitter.com/zlyLu1aw0o

— Arsalan (@LioM10_) 17 March 2019

Chief Minister Sindh, Murad Ali Shah in his address to the crowd paid tribute to the victims of New Zealand’s mass shooting, and condoled the families of those killed in the attack.

“First of all, i would like to pay my respects to the 50 people who fell victim to the terror attack in New Zealand. I pray for them and also for the injured,” he said.

lovelly super craoud amazzing PSL game i love Pakistan i love Pakistan Army#UmarMeharPrince#PakistanZindaBad pic.twitter.com/bkDFVUtHRU

— Umar Mehar Prince (@UmarMeharPrince) 17 March 2019

“All the matches of PSL’s Pakistan-leg matches this year were held in Karachi, that is a moment of triumph for Karachiites,” he said, while praising the public for their support of the tournament.

The CM said that the provincial government is also working for the return of international cricket to Pakistan, and was hopeful that the return will begin from Karachi.

Sammy You Are The Of PSL #PSL #HBLPSL @darensammy88 pic.twitter.com/hMCGo6XKur

— Fawad Ahmad (@1fawadahmad) 17 March 2019