The controversy of PSL 2 final is over and it will be held in Lahore with or without the foreign players on 7th of March, 2017.
A meeting between PSL Chairman Najam Sethi and five franchise owners reached the decision of holding PSL 2 final in Lahore.
PSL 2 Final in Lahore Supported by Franchise Owners
The owners of all the PSL franchises wholeheartedly supported the PSL 2 final to be played in Lahore. All of the participants of the meeting were of the view that PSL 2 final in Lahore would be the first step towards the revival of international cricket in Pakistan. All the members agreed on this decision after consensus.
Earlier there were some rumors that franchise owners were concerned about final of PSL 2 taking place in Lahore. Some rumors were suggesting that foreign players may not participate in PSL 2’s Final in Lahore. PSL management will soon prepare the list of players who agree to play in Lahore. The Bangladeshi players have their cricket commitments for which they would leave earlier. Similarly, English players will also have to play elsewhere. The players from West Indies will have the option to come to Lahore to play in the final of the PSL 2.
The Chairman of PSL, Najam Sethi, invited PM Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and Chief Ministers of all four provinces to attend the PSL 2 final in Lahore.
It is great to have such a big cricketing event of international stature taking place in Lahore. However, the management of PSL and PCB, and other stakeholders need to make foolproof security arrangements.
The recent wave of terrorist attacks across the country has shaken the belief of the foreign players playing in PSL 2 tournament. However, PSL and PCB management must give confidence and assurance to these international players about their security and well-being.
In an apparently positive sign, the Chairman of the International Cricket Council Task Force Giles Clarke supported the organizing of PSL 2 final in Lahore. In a recent interview, Clarke said that holding PSL 2 final in Lahore would send a strong message to the terrorists that “we will not bow down to them”. He also added, “I have a very strong opinion that we should never, ever allow terrorism and terrorists to dictate what we should share whatever arguments they have. They should present them without killing and injuring fellow citizens.”
