Successful hosting of PSL final will send positive message about security in Pakistan: PCB

Karachi [Pakistan], Feb. 21 (ANI): Shaharyar Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has insisted that a positive message would be sent across the international cricketing community if they can successfully host the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in Lahore. There were doubts whether the PCB would hold the PSL final in Lahore following the February 13 suicide bombing in which 13 people were killed. However, in a meeting held yesterday between the PSL management and the five franchise owners in Dubai, it was decided the summit clash of the tournament would be held in Lahore on March 5 as per schedule. "If we can successfully hold the PSL final in Lahore, it will send a message to all that the conditions are better here and security can be provided," the Dawn quoted Khan as saying on Tuesday. The PCB chairman further expressed hope that conditions would improve gradually after the final, and international teams may once again consider touring Pakistan. "In my opinion, it is a very important event for Pakistan and cricket in the country," he added. PSL chairman Najam Sethi had yesterday insisted that the final would be held in Lahore, whether the foreign players agree to come or not. The league will now give franchisees the option to draft new players in case contracted international stars opt out of the March 5 final at Lahore due to security reasons. It should be noted that Pakistan have not hosted any international cricket tournaments since the terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009,when six Pakistani Policemen were killed and some of the visiting players were injured. (ANI)