PSL 2017: Lead up to the Final
Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism for over a decade now and our nation has faced the brunt of this war. The state has devised a national action plan to eradicate this evil from the root. Countless terrorists have been arrested and sentenced to death in several military operations conducted all over the country.
Terrorism has affected tourism, the overall image and sports in Pakistan. The attack on Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009 halted any international fixtures to be staged in the country causing a huge loss of revenue. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continued its efforts to bring cricket back in Pakistan through short tours of Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Kenya.
After the success of PSL-1 in 2016, PCB worked hard throughout the year and organized PSL II in United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the grand opening ceremony of PSL II, the chairman PSL announced that the final match will be played in Lahore. This news brought happiness on the faces of the cricket fans all over Pakistan. Many people started booking advance tickets for this mega event to watch their favorite cricket stars in action. The news of the finale of PSL II was not a pleasant news for the enemies as it was a symbol of peace returning to Pakistan.
To prevent PSL II final, the terrorists started targeting innocent people with a series of suicide bombings in different cities including Lahore, killing dozens of citizens. The purpose of these cowardly attacks was to spread terror among people and to prove that no one is safe here.
Everyone was shocked at this tragic incident and the owners of the PSL teams started getting itchy. It started to become obvious that the final match will not be played in Lahore. This resulted in a wave of disappointment among the people until the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Bajwa, issued a statement, “Army will extend full support to all concerned for holding the event as scheduled,” he said.
After the meeting with the owners of PSL teams in UAE, chairman of the PSL Najam Sethi tweeted, “PSL management and franchisees resolve to hold Final in Lahore. We invite the Prime Minister, COAS and Chief Ministers to attend the match at Qaddafi Stadium,” he said.
The PCB has taken numerous steps while planning for the final match. The board has bought four bulletproof buses for the transport of players. The decision is now final and the cricket fans are anxiously waiting for the March 05.
Edited by Mohammad Sohaib.
