The Exciting PSL Final at Gaddafi Stadium

There is a great excitement about the final on March the 5th, when Spectators from all over Pakistan are expected to arrive at the Gaddafi stadium. Due to 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, the international cricketers are hesitant to travel to Lahore. This means Pakistan’s cricketing isolation was due to security lapse in the past. Pakistan has been suffering the pain, both financially and in the development of its cricket team. Now, the PSL (Pakistan Super League) officials and the government are on the same page, hence taking no chances. Furthermore, the PSL authorities have worked out on an alternative arrangement through creating a pool of the willing cricketers. Furthermore, foreign players are being offered incentive payments ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. This time, the security arrangements made for the final are super excellent meaning players are to be given the highest level of security. The cricket fans are required to present valid CNICs in order to be allowed entry to the stadium under the tough supervision of police and military personnel. Problem is there is a proxy war going on against Pakistan by the hired militants who carry out terrorism merely for disturbing the Pak’s rapid economic growth. The foreign funded terrorists (outsiders and insiders) have the ugliest job to do - that includes isolating Pakistan at the international level. Due to security concerns as men- tioned above, playing the PSL final in Pakistan seemed out of question initially, however, a timely response by the authorities in Pakistan has sent a positive signal to the World showing Pakistan is fully functional and is fully secured for foreigners to come over at their free will without any fear whatsoever to play or make other investment. Though “Operation Zarb e Azb” had done a great job of eliminating the menace, the current “Operation radd-ul-fasaad” has taken over to destroy the remainder. This has ensured the safe environment to foreign dignitaries who are already in the country. At least, India failed to isolate Pakistan from the rest of the World. With regard to current final, Chairman Shaharyar Khan of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) mentioned earlier that despite the recent terror attacks in Lahore, the PCB was eager to hold the high-profile Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in the provincial capital. Also, Najam Sethi said PSL final was being hosted in Lahore as per the desires of the people. This means more trouble as the excessively pre-occupied police of Lahore now faces a more difficult challenge to maintain safety and security for the visiting players, the spectators and all others in and around the immediate vicinity. Fact is the PCB has a chance to generate revenues only if the tournament goes well without any mishap. Chairman Shehryar Khan is of the view that the PSL final in Lahore has not only opened the doors for international teams to Pakistan but it is also a good opportunity to unite the nation. Sethi maintains that the wish of the people was conveyed to the government, and the government in turn did ensure proper arrangements for the PSL final. Thank God, there is a five-tier security planned for PSL final participants. “A successful final in Lahore will definitely send a positive message to all that the security situation in Pakistan is getting better,” the chairman said.... Hopefully, a trouble free final will deliver a huge boost to cricketing in the country. Certainly, it will restore country’s lost image again. Since the recent spate of terrorism in the country has triggered a wave of chaos and anxiety, the government has taken right steps to protect the public. And, the decision to hold the PSL final as scheduled is the right message to the international community at the right time meaning Pakistan is open for business. Good to know is the State-machinery is fully functional for providing a fool proof security. Another advantage: A successfully concluded PSL final would be facilitating in creating space for other cultural and sporting events. Beyond doubt, Pakistan as a developing nation is progressing rapidly, and the economic environment in the region would enhance in the days ahead. Players willing to play in Pakistan: There was an initial list containing 54 names; this has now grown to above 60 and is said to be composed of those who were not picked in the draft last October as well as additional names from outside the draft are added. Tickets are expensive, so only people who can afford are expected to watch in person, the rest of the nation will still be watching on TV. Recommended: 1. The government by all means is welcome to make the needed arrangements to enhance security, but paralyzing the area would be a major trouble for the general public. 2. The international players deserve to feel fully safe when playing in Lahore. 3. Surely, a fool proof security will guarantee future games and foreign business. 4. A curfew-like security arrangement in the provincial metropolis is going to send confusing message. 5. Hosting the PSL final in Lahore is a step in the right direction; it would be helpful in reviving international cricket in Pakistan. 6. This mega event must go ahead as planned because it shows clearly that Pakistanis are united against terrorism.