PSL 4: إatches to be held in Pakistan as per schedule, says PCB chairman

Brushing all speculations aside, the chairman PCB Ehsan Mani on Thursday announced that eight PSL matches will be held in Pakistan as initially scheduled.

There were rumours following the border tension between Pakistan and India that PCB may be forced to hold matches in UAE instead of taking them to Pakistan.

However, Mani said that PCB is committed to hold matches in Pakistan and that the matches would be held as planned. “This is our unanimous decision that matches will be held, according to the plan, in Pakistan,” Mani said at a press conference along with PSL franchise owners.

“I’m thankful to all the franchise owners and other stakeholders who supported our decision,” the chairman PCB added.

Mani said PCB was committed to holding matches in Pakistan and that there was no doubt about that.

He also confirmed that all the foreign players have agreed to visit Pakistan. “Those who had made a commitment to visit Pakistan initially have reconfirmed their availability and commitment to be visit Pakistan,” he confirmed.

Mani said that logistical issues due to the suspension of flight operations were controllable and that the PCB would manage them. “We are confident of our ability to manage things smoothly,” he said.

He said that he was in contact with stakeholders involved for the holding of these matches and that everything was going according to plan.

Mani’s statement was also backed by the franchise owners present with him at the press conference. “We are with PCB on this decision and our players are also ready to visit Pakistan,” said Sameen Rana, the COO of Lahore Qalandars.

“We are excited and looking forward to play in front of our home crowd in Lahore,” Rana added.

The owners of Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans were also present at the occasion and announced full backing to have matches held in Pakistan.