PCB says PSL 4 as resilient event that delivered all objectives

LAHORE (92 News) – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani has said that the recent staging of eight Pakistan Super League matches in Karachi is a sign that PCB’s credibility has hit a new level. Addressing a press conference, the PCB chairman said that Pakistan Cricket Board is now taken seriously at the international level. Ehsan Mani said, the biggest endorsement was that 39 to 40 foreign players along with the support staff came to Pakistan which adds to our credibility. Ehsan Mani on behalf of the PCB paid glowing tributes and thanked the die-hard cricket fans for making the Pakistan Super League 2019 an overwhelming success. He also thanked all the franchise owners as well as the Sindh government and all the security agencies involved in providing a safe and secure environment for the eight Pakistan-leg matches played at the National Stadium. The PCB Chairman said the safety of the players especially foreigners was our top priority. He said that over two hundred thousand people had come to watch PSL matches in the stadium which shows the craze and love for the game in our nation. Ehsan Mani said that new talent has also come to the fore which will strengthen our national side. He said next year's PSL will be played in Pakistan, not just in Karachi but also in other cities. The PCB chief said the PSL had been designed as a vehicle to resume international cricket in Pakistan, which needs to be played across the country. “We have gradually increased the number of matches in Pakistan from one to three to eight. I am confident we will have matches at more venues next year. In this relation, we will soon start our preparations for HBL PSL 2020 and in due course share plans on how we can increase fan participation by expanding the league. It is inevitable that more than eight matches at multiple venues will be held in Pakistan in 2020,” he said. “Shane Watson’s decision to come to Karachi after having declined pre-event, is a testament of the confidence he had in the PCB and all the security agencies. It was also a validation that he too considered Karachi a peaceful and cricket-loving city, while reinforcing his respect and commitment for the league.”