Punjab govt, PCB indecisive about PSL final

MUHAMMAD SALEEM

LAHORE: After having a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister, Pakistan Super League (PSL) Chairman Najam Sethi said that they were on track for final of the PSL in Lahore. However, they will continue to monitor and review the situation in the run-up.

Sethi, who is also the chairman of PCB Executive Committee tweeted: I just met CM Punjab. We are on track for PSL final in Lahore. But we shall continue to monitor and review situation in the run-up.

Sources told that formal announcement regarding holding of PSL-II final in Lahore in this regard is likely to be announced tomorrow.

Despite the concerns over security, the PSL management and the franchise owners decided to hold the final in Lahore a move aimed at bringing international cricket back to Pakistan and sending out a strong message to terrorists that their nefarious plans will not succeed.

Earlier Shahbaz Sharif presided over another meeting pertaining to security and safety during PSL final, which is scheduled to be held at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on March 5.

The meeting held a detail review of holding the T20 league final in the provincial capital, with participants presenting recommendations pertaining to the matchs security, according to sources. They pondered overtaking Armys assistance, besides Rangers and police, for the mega event.

Addressing the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif said current extraordinary situation demands extraordinary measures. The enemy is conspiring to spread unrest in the country and we have to get united to foil its evil designs, he said, adding: The law enforcement agencies will have to work with more determination for the protection of life and property of the citizens.

Ordering to further speed up operation against terrorists and their facilitators, Shehbaz Sharif said that action against such elements should be taken at every place indiscriminately. Protection of life and property of masses is top priority of the government and Afghan localities should be thoroughly checked and a vigilant eye be kept on suspicious persons, he added.

Moreover, report regarding Defense incident was also presented to the Chief Minister in the meeting.

According to the report of Forensic Science Agency, this incident took place due to cylinder blasts and according to investigations held so far, no evidences of explosive material have been found from the site.

Provincial Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Lt. Col. Muhammad Ayub (Retd), Chief Secretary, Inspector General Police, Secretary Home and concerned officials attended the meeting.

Furthermore, Chief Minister took strict action against the incidents of kite-flying and aerial firing in Rawalpindi, and ordered immediate suspension of ASP Saddar and SHO Police Station Saddar Rawalpindi. He said that kite-flying incidents in violation of ban cannot be tolerated.