Print Print edition: 2017-02-28

PSL final in Lahore

Published February 28, 2017 Updated February 28, 2017 12:00am

The victory of Karachi Kings that has enabled them to play play-off matches and the exit of Lahore Qalandars from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has added a new dimension to the ongoing 20-over cricket tournament. Unfortunately, however, the Dubai stadium was largely deserted on Sunday although it was hosting one of the most crucial matches of the tournament, Karachi Kings versus Islamabad United. This brings under focus our predicament because the emirates' stadiums are located in foreign lands.
It is heartening to note that finally the Punjab government and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have decided to organise PSL final at Lahore's Qadhafi Stadium. The recent wave of terrorism had led to cause ambivalence in government circles insofar as the holding of PSL final in Lahore is concerned. The Punjab Chief Minister gave yesterday the go-ahead to hold the PSL final in Lahore.
One must not lose sight of the fact that the blast at Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif miserably failed to stop the Dhammal of Sufi saint's devotees on the following Thursday and so on. That the people of Lahore refused to be cowed down by terrorists is a fact that has found its best expression in a very well attended book fair in the city.
The Punjab government's decision is a reflection of a healthy approach to sports; it will augur well for government's efforts aimed at restoring country's image as a safe, secure and hospitable global sports destination.