[PICTURES/VIDEOS] PSL 8 to run from 13 February to 18 March 2023

[cricketjoshila]

Please improve the coverage. Please.

Look at SA20 coverage. Even ILT20 is slightly better.

This is a T20 league make it a event.

[Savak]

Please improve the coverage. Please.

Look at SA20 coverage. Even ILT20 is slightly better.

This is a T20 league make it a event.

Do you feel the Broadcasting is below par?

I believe the PCB decided to take over the production themselves in order to train, upgrade their personnel and to reduce costs.

[zoeyfactor]

The recent PSL coverage is fabulous from a streaming and graphics quality perspective. I personally find it better or competitive to IPL.

[cricketjoshila]

Do you feel the Broadcasting is below par?

I believe the PCB decided to take over the production themselves in order to train, upgrade their personnel and to reduce costs.

Yes it is below par. T20 leagues are an event a celebration. You want to create an atmosphere.

SA 20 broadcast was right up there. Brilliant.

ILt20 belt concept looks good.

ILt20 used the smart Ball. Don't know how that came out.

PSL coverage is very boring. Commies dont create much excitement. Pictures are dark. The graphics are crammed.

[cricketjoshila]

The recent PSL coverage is fabulous from a streaming and graphics quality perspective. I personally find it better or competitive to IPL.

I haven't streamed so don't know if streaming picture quality is better.

Graphics is downright atrocious.

The best coverage is SA20 currently.

The best graphics is IPL. Nice clean graphics.Easy on the eyes.

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Yes it is below par. T20 leagues are an event a celebration. You want to create an atmosphere.

SA 20 broadcast was right up there. Brilliant.

ILt20 belt concept looks good.

ILt20 used the smart Ball. Don't know how that came out.

PSL coverage is very boring. Commies dont create much excitement. Pictures are dark. The graphics are crammed.

To be honest, I’m not much in favour of commies creating ‘excitement’. It comes across as incredibly forced. But I do agree on the general coverage. It needs to be brighter and more effervescent.

[Savak]

2 days left and still no psl anthem. Am literally pulling my hair out now

[gazza619]

2 days left and still no psl anthem. Am literally pulling my hair out now

Credit to PDM.

[Savak]

Incompetence or Ignorance? Did the New PCB Management Fail to Effectively Promote PSL 8?

By Ayna Dua

Published Feb 11, 2023 | 7:05 pm

The 8th edition of the Pakistan Super League is starting on Monday, yet the excitement and buzz that usually surrounds the tournament seem to be missing, due in part to the lack of effective promotion efforts by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The countdown to the much-awaited Pakistan Super League (PSL) 8 has begun, but the cricket world seems to be missing the typical excitement and buzz that usually precedes the tournament. Unfortunately, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has fallen short in creating hype around the event.

One of the major reasons for this lack of excitement is the delayed release of the PSL anthem, set to be performed by the talented Shae Gill, Faris Shafi, and Asim Azhar, with Abdullah Siddiqui as the music producer. The PSL anthem has always helped in sparking the interest among fans and is considered a precept to begin the cricket season in the country. However, this year, the anthem has not been released so far, even with just two days left in the first match of the PSL 8. The singers and artists performing the anthem were also revealed quite late, only discouraging fans’ interest.

The new trophy was also revealed for the PSL 8 but the event was not given enough coverage in the media to engage the audience, with interviews of personnel being more highlighted than the trophy itself.

This, combined with minimal advertising and promotion efforts, such as the release of only one promotional video, has left fans feeling underwhelmed. The social media handles of the PSL have also been inactive, further dampening the anticipation of fans.

Not only has the excitement around the tournament been affected, but the absence of pre-season interviews and shows, which were previously a source of fun banter between players from different franchises, has also lowered the hype.

To add to the confusion, the PCB has changed the slogan of PSL 8 from “Soch Hai Apki” to “Sab Sitaray Hamaray”, which has further added to the confusion surrounding the tournament, the PCB, and the fans. The sudden change in the PCB administration before the tournament has also been cited as a factor in the inadequate planning and promotion efforts.

Above all, the high prices of tickets have discouraged fans from planning to watch the PSL matches live in the stadiums. Only a few enclosures have been kept under the price tag of Rs. 1000, while the Chairman Box has been listed to get booked for a whopping Rs. 120,000

In conclusion, the PCB has failed to generate the excitement and hype that usually surround the PSL. The lack of proper planning and promotion efforts has resulted in a decreased level of interest among fans. It is imperative that the PCB learns from its mistakes and puts in place effective strategies to ensure that future editions of the PSL are well-planned and create the excitement that fans have come to expect.

Link: https://propakistani.pk/2023/02/11/i...promote-psl-8/

[hitthestump]

To be honest, I’m not much in favour of commies creating ‘excitement’. It comes across as incredibly forced. But I do agree on the general coverage. It needs to be brighter and more effervescent.

Agreed. It's a league. There is an entertainment factor but it primarily exists to make money.

Nobody cares if Karachi Elephants beat Quetta Rhinos. It has no bearing on anything meaningful at all. So we don't need commies trying to make something out of nothing.

[Rana]

2 days left and still no psl anthem. Am literally pulling my hair out now

Like, who cares?

There will be cricket on Monday. And it will be serious cricket. That’s all you should be concerned about!

[Rana]

Agreed. It's a league. There is an entertainment factor but it primarily exists to make money.

Nobody cares if Karachi Elephants beat Quetta Rhinos. It has no bearing on anything meaningful at all. So we don't need commies trying to make something out of nothing.

Everyone cares. Don’t try to hide now that the serious business begins on Monday

[Rana]

This is going to be the best PSL ever!

[MenInG]

Finally, the most anticipated tournament in domestic calendar is upon us. The HBL Pakistan Super League kicks off tomorrow, 13 February, with Multan Sultans, the winners of the 2021 edition and the finalists of the last, hosting title defenders Lahore Qalandars at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi will also host the matches of the eighth edition of the HBL PSL, which promises to be as exciting as the last seven.

Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Arena will play host to the second match of the tournament when the hosts, Karachi Kings, lock horns with Peshawar Zalmi. This match and the tournament opener will begin at 2000 with the toss at 1930.

Quetta Gladiators begin their campaign in Multan on 15 February and Islamabad United play their first match of the season on 16 February in Karachi.

Action will move to northern half of the country from 26 February with Lahore and Rawalpindi hosting the latter part of the tournament. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan’s home of cricket, will host the four playoffs and the final, besides five league stage games and Rawalpindi will stage 11 matches.

The winner of the 19 March final at the Gaddafi Stadium will not only lift the Supernova Trophy but will also collect a cheque of PKR120m, while the runners-up will receive a cheque of PKR48m.

The HBL PSL impact

The HBL PSL was conceived with the idea of providing platform to the young and emerging cricketers who can have a flavour of international cricket – by playing high quality cricket under pressure environment –before graduating to the apex level.

The league continues to deliver on that front as many players who shone in the HBL PSL went on to play international cricket. In a few years after the introduction of the league, Pakistan won the ICC Champions Trophy and emerged as one of the most successful and consistent T20 sides.

It also paved way for the successful return of the international cricket in the country. The first-ever HBL PSL match in Pakistan – the final of the 2017 edition in Lahore – brought World XI for a three-match T20I series before Sri Lanka played a solitary T20I in Lahore.

The 2018 edition reopened the doors of international cricket for Karachi as the final between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi, after the two playoffs in Lahore, was followed by the West Indies’ tour of the city for three T2oIs.

The 2019 edition, when Karachi hosted eight matches, further boosted the confidence of international sides, and the 2020 edition, the first time Pakistan hosted the tournament in its entirety, established Pakistan’s credentials as a destination that could host complete international tours.

A look at the winners

All six franchises have won the HBL PSL title at least once, which underscores the quality of all six sides and the higher level of competition in the tournament.

Islamabad United, the inaugural champions, are the only side to win the HBL PSL title twice (the second time in 2018). Peshawar Zalmi won the 2017 edition. Quetta Gladiators, who were the finalists in the first two editions, won the 2019 competition. Karachi Kings were the first side to win to lift the trophy at their home when they rolled over Lahore Qalandars in Karachi in 2020. Multan Sultans bagged their maiden title in 2021. Last year, Lahore Qalandars lifted the HBL PSL trophy in Lahore.

Opening ceremony

Before the HBL PSL 8 action kicks off, the Pakistan Cricket Board, in a continuation of its tradition, has lined up a glittering opening ceremony.

The cricket fans in Multan and all around the world will see spectacular performances by different artists and one of the major attractions would be the performances of the singers of the HBL PSL 8 anthem - Abdullah Siddiqui, Asim Azhar, Faris Shafi and Shae Gill.

The fans will also be treated to performances by the renowned music composer Sahir Ali Bagga and talented singer Aima Baig as the two add to the star-studded line-up, which will make the opening ceremony an unforgettable experience.

Captains gear up for HBL PSL 8

Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan: “What I am today is solely due to HBL PSL. I entered in this competition as an Emerging Category player, but this tournament gave me the opportunity, belief and confidence to grow and develop as a cricketer and I am pleased that I am now a Platinum Category player.

“When I started my cricket, I thought I could be a good U19 or domestic cricketer, but then I got the opportunity in HBL PSL where I was able to deceive and trouble the then world’s best batter Kumar Sangakkara with my wrong’un or leg-spin. This turned things around for me as I started believing in myself and now I can play in any competition, against any opponent and in any tournament with the conviction that I can perform.

“The quality and standard of bowling is far superior than any other league. And it is not me who is saying this, but it is shared publically by the top players who have played in HBL PSL. Personally, it gives me a lot of happiness when world’s best cricketers praise our league and its standard.”

Karachi Kings captain Imad Wasim: “HBL PSL is one of the best leagues in the world, which is very close to our hearts. We wait for this league for 10 months during which we prepare, plan and set goals. Then, we enter into this great event to achieve our collective objectives, help our sides win and this cycle continues.

“Last year, Karachi Kings were hampered with injuries, but for 2023, we have all bases covered with high-quality players who all are match-winners. The most important thing for us is to play T20 the way it should be played, which is with a positive attitude and aggressive intent.

“We will go step-by-step and match-by-match in this tournament with our first target being to secure a place in the play-offs. One of the best things about this HBL PSL is we will have home matches. So, we are aiming to make the best use of our first five matches at home and build the momentum that can carry us into the play-offs.”

Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi: “I cannot wait for the HBL PSL to begin. It is a great tournament that throws up some brilliant cricketers each year and we, the international players, get to play some very exciting and competitive cricket.

“We had an incredible run last year and it is our strong bonding as a family that helped us win the HBL PSL. A lot of effort and hard work went behind the scenes that culminated in us lifting the trophy in 2022. We have worked even more hard and we come with much better preparation in this season as retaining the title is a tough job, but with the team that I have got, I am confident that the HBL PSL trophy will stay in Lahore.”
Multan Sultans captain Mohammad Rizwan: “The philosophy of Multan Sultans is simple: play as champions irrespective of the opposition or the outcome. Consequently, we are not afraid of the results.

“We have been able to induce this approach in the side because we are a closely-knit side and the credit for this cohesion must be given to the team management. Also, we have a good mix and combination of coaches, which also helps me to captain the side.”

Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam: “Every HBL PSL edition is super exciting for me because of its competitive nature. There is a different challenge each year as the players with whom you share the Pakistan dressing room all year become your opponents.

“A new franchise, and a new season, this HBL PSL edition holds added significance for me and I am looking forward to making a good start in this journey.”

Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfaraz Ahmed: “The HBL PSL has played a very important role in the development of cricket in Pakistan. It has provided exposure to our players and they have learned how to handle the camera and crowd pressure, which is very important to grow as an international cricketer.

“We have not been able to perform up to our potential in the last two to three editions, but I am sure that 2023 is the year when we will bounce back and make the fans of Quetta Gladiators proud. We have a solid team which has all the ability to win, and I am excited to be back in the purple and gold and lead this great side.”

Meanwhile, the PCB has constituted the following committees for the HBL PSL 8:

• Technical Committee: Haroon Rashid (Chair), Usman Wahla (member), Dr Najeeb Soomro (Member, Medical) and Sameer Khosa (Member, Legal)

• Medical Committee: Dr. Syed Faisal Mahmood, Prof. Dr. Masood Umer, Dr. Mustafa Javed Bhalli (all Pakistan), Dr. Brent May, Dr. David Long, Dr. Omer Batin Gozubuyuk, Dr. Peter DÁlesandro (all Australia)

[MenInG]

The HBL Pakistan Super League has placed itself as one of the most sought-after events and one of the factors that make the league so exciting for the viewers are the rivalries between the six franchises.

It is not only the fans who look forward to them, but the players and coaches also enjoy being in the middle of those high intensity contests. PCB Digital spoke to various players and coaches about how it is to be involved in rivalries.

Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan: “We plan ahead of the season on how we have to approach the upcoming tournament and we have done that already.

“On a personal note, I enjoy playing against Karachi. It is one of the matches that I don’t want to lose as a captain or a player. It is not like I say this in the team huddle or something. It is just my personal desire to not to lose to them, especially when we play in Karachi.”

Karachi Kings captain Imad Wasim: “This rivalry [Lahore v Karachi] is good [for the HBL PSL]. It is the biggest game and now Karachi-Peshawar and Lahore-Quetta are new rivalries.

“But, the entire nation wants to see Karachi-Lahore. We enjoy playing against them. It is the biggest rivalry for us without a doubt. This season, we will play with more intensity against them.”

Karachi Kings’ Mohammad Amir: “Lahore v Karachi is always a match to look forward to and when you perform in it, your profile increases manifold as a cricketer. Karachi has been dominating this battle so far and I will try to make sure it stays that way.

“A lot of credit for this hype goes to the media with how they come up with player-by-player match ups and the team rivalries. It is very important to keep the fans engaged.”

Karachi Kings head coach Johan Botha: “It [Lahore v Karachi] is a great rivalry. I can remember from the HBL PSL 5 every player just wanted to be the best player on the ground that night. Our senior players spoke about it how they wanted to be the players to take the team across the line.

“They [Lahore Qalandars] are coming in as defending champions. In the past they were sort of the bottom team and we were a bit cocky and we thought we couldn't lose against them. We were a good team and played really good cricket.

“But, now, the roles are reversed. They are the confident team and they have a very good line-up, especially an excellent bowling attack. They would be a 100 percent confident and we have the work to do, but I am sure our guys will lift themselves when it comes to that fixture. It is going to be a little bit more spicy and it should be a good game for the viewers and hopefully we can turn up that night and put in some big performances.”

Lahore Qalandars head coach Aqib Javed: “I have grown in an environment when it used to be India versus Pakistan at Sharjah with half of the crowd supporting them and the other half supporting us. People say it is pressure, but for me it used to be opportunity and the intensity used to motivate me. Because whoever performs in such tough matches stands out. One player of the match award against India turns you into a superstar.

“Lahore-Karachi is a similar rivalry and people enjoy it. If you take it out [of the HBL PSL] nothing would be left [in the tournament]. Whenever it is Lahore playing Karachi, the stands are filled to capacity and a huge amount of people is outside the stadium to get a glimpse of it.

“There was a rivalry between Shaheen and Babar and with Babar moving to Peshawar Zalmi, there will be another rivalry.”

Peshawar Zalmi’s Wahab Riaz: “The most exciting matches Peshawar Zalmi have played are against Quetta Gladiators as four to five of them went to the last ball and in one of the matches we couldn’t score three runs against [Mohammad] Nawaz [in the last over] and got all out.

“It is always interesting to play against them and the fans also enjoy when we play against Quetta.”

Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfaraz Ahmed: “We try to come up with a strong strategy against every side, but we have played crunch matches against Peshawar Zalmi in the last seven seasons and they have not been one-sided affairs either.

“It is fair to say we have an intense rivalry with Peshawar Zalmi.”

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Pakistanis love PSL because it is one event where a Pakistani team is guaranteed to win.

The international teams are in tatters - not withstanding some outstanding runs in T20 tournaments.

[Titan24]

Pakistanis love PSL because it is one event where a Pakistani team is guaranteed to win.

The international teams are in tatters - not withstanding some outstanding runs in T20 tournaments.

Its a T20 tournament, so doing its job in terms of T20 as well as ODI cricket for Pakistan to an extent with regards to grooming of some young players, allowing players to work with different set of coaches as well as see how some international players go about their fitness, routines and identification of some future potential by seeing them perform under pressure. Pakistan's performance in last two world T20s was good as per any benchmark.

Test cricket is dependent upon FC structure, pitches and quality alongside allowing players to develop for the format before debuting them (Which has not been the case with Pakistan recently). Nothing PSL or any league can do about it.

Every nation loves its league (Irrespective of how many trophies or lack of they have won at international level in the last decade), correct be if I am wrong. So not sure why you have to specifically mention Pakistanis love PSL (Their league).

[adi_62941]

i reckon half empty stadiums even on weekends looking at current economic downhill in pakistan

[Titan24]

i reckon half empty stadiums even on weekends looking at current economic downhill in pakistan

With Pakistan you never know. There is a famous international/Canadian coffee franchise (Tim Hortons) which has just opened in Lahore and it had records sale or something. People were standing in long lines for hours for that.

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Its a T20 tournament, so doing its job in terms of T20 as well as ODI cricket for Pakistan to an extent with regards to grooming of some young players, allowing players to work with different set of coaches as well as see how some international players go about their fitness, routines and identification of some future potential by seeing them perform under pressure. Pakistan's performance in last two world T20s was good as per any benchmark.

Test cricket is dependent upon FC structure, pitches and quality alongside allowing players to develop for the format before debuting them (Which has not been the case with Pakistan recently). Nothing PSL or any league can do about it.

Every nation loves its league (Irrespective of how many trophies or lack of they have won at international level in the last decade), correct be if I am wrong. So not sure why you have to specifically mention Pakistanis love PSL (Their league).

No argument with PSL's value. Not arguing other countries don't love their leagues either.

But PSL's value now is more about forgetting the disasters of international cricket than unearthing new talent. Sometimes it also runs good players into ground.

Too much of a good thing.

[Titan24]

No argument with PSL's value. Not arguing other countries don't love their leagues either.

But PSL's value now is more about forgetting the disasters of international cricket than unearthing new talent. Sometimes it also runs good players into ground.

Too much of a good thing.

Disasters in test cricket specifically unless I am missing something. Poor home season in test cricket without a doubt but, was always on the cards if one looks at the way Saqlain and setup approached test cricket since taking over the reigns, the less said about the pitches and what not the better.

Countless amount of times other teams have their leagues starting just after horrible show in world tournaments or series, not sure if it makes the league as much bigger as you are suggesting. If it is the case then good for PSL I believe.

[MenInG]

Opening ceremony started

[MenInG]

Opening ceremony pics

[MenInG]

Najam Sethi at the opening ceremony:

"Dear people of Multan, we fulfilled our promise to bring PSL's opening ceremony here"

"I still remember that time when we hosted opening ceremony in Dubai. From there, we took it to Lahore, Karachi and now in Multan. Next year, we will take PSL to Quetta and Peshawar"

"PSL has come a long way. This year, 21 foreigners and 13-14 local players are making debut. This shows that our league is a real platform to the youngsters,

"PSL has given players like Shaheen, Hassan and many others. I look forward to seeing more players coming out this year"

"My heart is with Lahore and mind is with Multan. Let's see who wins today"

[MenInG]

Fireworks at the opening ceremony

The national anthem

[MenInG]

Fireworks were good but....

[Savak]

Rawalpindi eateries seek compensation for losses due to food street closure during cricket matches

An overview of food street at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on February 17, 2023. (AN Photo)

Restaurant owners say they even have to pay rent for days when their businesses are closed and they earn nothing

The garrison city will be hosting 11 matches of the ongoing Pakistan Super League from March 1 till March 12

Updated 18 February 2023

SAIMA SHABBIR

February 18, 2023 09:34

RAWALPINDI: As million across Pakistan and abroad follow the 8th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), businessmen in the garrison city of Rawalpindi ask for compensation for the losses they are suffer due to the closure of a food street and businesses around the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the Twenty20 and international matches.

Pakistan’s inaugural national cricket league, launched in 2016, has been an unexpected success, even though many of the matches had to be played in the United Arab Emirates due to security risks till the tournament was fully moved to Pakistan in 2020. This year, Rawalpindi is hosting 11 PSL matches from March 1 till March 12.

However, authorities close the food street around the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, a popular destination among food enthusiasts in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, during both PSL and international cricket matches over security reasons.

“Since the resumption of international cricket matches in Pakistan, businesses have been incurring losses worth millions of rupees because food stalls and restaurants are closed during matches by the authorities,” Shiekh Muhammad Ibrahim, a restaurant owner, told Arab News.

Ibrahim demanded the authorities develop a system to hold matches without shutting down local businesses as this had become a routine occurrence due to the growing number of cricketing events taking place in the country.



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Rawalpindi eateries seek compensation for losses due to food street closure during cricket matches

An overview of food street at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on February 17, 2023. (AN Photo)
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Restaurant owners say they even have to pay rent for days when their businesses are closed and they earn nothing
The garrison city will be hosting 11 matches of the ongoing Pakistan Super League from March 1 till March 12
Updated 18 February 2023
SAIMA SHABBIR
February 18, 2023 09:34

RAWALPINDI: As million across Pakistan and abroad follow the 8th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), businessmen in the garrison city of Rawalpindi ask for compensation for the losses they are suffer due to the closure of a food street and businesses around the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the Twenty20 and international matches.

Pakistan’s inaugural national cricket league, launched in 2016, has been an unexpected success, even though many of the matches had to be played in the United Arab Emirates due to security risks till the tournament was fully moved to Pakistan in 2020. This year, Rawalpindi is hosting 11 PSL matches from March 1 till March 12.

However, authorities close the food street around the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, a popular destination among food enthusiasts in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, during both PSL and international cricket matches over security reasons.

“Since the resumption of international cricket matches in Pakistan, businesses have been incurring losses worth millions of rupees because food stalls and restaurants are closed during matches by the authorities,” Shiekh Muhammad Ibrahim, a restaurant owner, told Arab News.

Ibrahim demanded the authorities develop a system to hold matches without shutting down local businesses as this had become a routine occurrence due to the growing number of cricketing events taking place in the country.


A stall vendor is busy in preparing food at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on February 17, 2023. (AN Photo)
Pakistan was deemed unsafe for international cricket after a militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore killed eight people and injured several others in March 2009.

As a consequence, the South Asian country was unable to co-host the 2011 Cricket World Cup, but international cricket teams started returning to Pakistan in December 2019.

While the return of international cricket to the country has brought joy to most Pakistanis, it has led to worries for a few others.

Kareem Khan, another restaurant owner, said he pays Rs350,000 ($1,331) in rent to the local administration and they do not exempt him from paying the rent on the days when his business is "forcibly closed" due to security measures.

“They should at least exempt us from paying rents during such closures as we are earning nothing,” Khan told Arab News.

Adnan Abbasi, who owns a tea stall, said he is the sole provider for a family of seven and depends on his daily earnings from selling tea to make ends meet.

“The extended closure of the food street for more than two weeks due to security measures has made it difficult for us to survive, particularly during this time of high inflation,” Abbasi told Arab News.

Shakeel Ahmed, a manager at another eatery, suggested the authorities should come up with a system to allow businesses to operate during matches as good food options could attract more people to the matches.

“They can clear the area and limit the workforce by issuing passes, but the extreme measure of closure is making it difficult for the businesses to continue,” he told Arab News.

A stall vendor is busy preparing tea at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on February 17, 2023. (AN Photo)
A senior local government official justified the closure of the food street, saying it is necessary to ensure a smooth conduct of games and safety of international teams and players, who are extremely particular about security arrangements.

“Due to security concerns, the food street closes on every cricketing event. It is not the first time,” Nausheen Israr, the Rawalpindi additional deputy commissioner, told Arab News. "And when it's a matter of security, it's better to take precautions."

The official said such closures are a common practice across Pakistan, giving example of a food street near Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium that is closed over similar concerns.

“As per law, businesses have to abide by certain directions of the administration for smooth functioning of things,” Israr said, adding that a smooth conduct of key sports events was the responsibility of the administration.

A large number of people visit food street daily at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on February 17, 2023. (AN Photo)

Link: https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2253471/pakistan

[SpiritOf1903]

Peak Pakistan

[Firebat]

• Decision made keeping in view bad weather over the coming days; Sunday and Monday will be treated as reserve days just in case the match cannot be played or completed on Saturday

• Tickets purchased for Sunday will remain valid for Saturday

• Event hashtags are #HBLPSL8 and #SabSitarayHumaray; match schedule available here; for more information, please click here

• The official nomenclature of the tournament is HBL PSL. Media houses are advised to use the correct event nomenclature in all texts, headlines and bulletins

Lahore, 16 March 2023:

After taking into consideration bad weather forecast over the coming days, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to hold the HBL PSL 8 final on Saturday, 18 March, at the Gaddafi Stadium with Sunday and Monday to be treated as reserve days. The final was scheduled earlier for Sunday, 19 March, in Lahore.

Najam Sethi, Chair of PCB Management Committee: “The HBL PSL 8 is our marquee event. All the teams aim and prepare whole year to not only feature in the final but to lift the Supernove Trophy, while the passionate cricket fans also wait anxiously to see their favourite team being crowned as the champion.

“As such, and on the basis of available information about bad weather forecast, it is a sensible and proactive approach that we use the off-day and play the final on Saturday, and utilise Sunday along with Monday as reserve days. This will give us two reserve days in case the match cannot be completed or played on Saturday instead of the traditional one day.

“We have spoken with the teams involved in the Play-offs, and they are not only aligned to our decision but have backed and supported our decision.

“There will be no inconvenience to the cricket fans as tickets purchased for Sunday’s match will remain valid for Saturday’s rescheduled final.”

[moghul]

Its due to PTI's Jalsa on Sunday , weather will be better on Sunday , rain in forecast on new match day Saturday 3/18.

Sensible decision .

[Saj]

Is it really just due to the weather? I don't think so.

i think they want to end the tournament as soon as possible, given what's going on in Pakistan.

[The_KING]

Thanks Imran

[Firebat]

Najam Sethi thanks all stakeholders for making HBL PSL 8 a phenomenal success

• “The HBL PSL would not have been this successful without the love and support of its fans. We had an overall turnout of around 85 per cent on an average, which is fantastic.”

• “HBL PSL 8 also contributed in keeping country’s economic wheel moving as it created job opportunities and helped tourism, hotel industry, airlines and road traveling business grow”

• “We produced pitches that supported batting and bowling, and provided perfect setting for evenly and keenly contested matches”

• Unedited video clip of the press conference is available on the PCB YouTube Channel

Lahore, 18 March 2023:

Mr Najam Sethi, Chair of the Pakistan Cricket Board Management Committee has expressed his gratitude towards all the stakeholders for turning HBL Pakistan Super League 8 into a massive successive.

The event had commenced in Multan with a glittering ceremony on 13 February. Over 34 days, Multan staged five matches, Karachi and Lahore nine matches each and Rawalpindi 11 matches. On 8, 10 and 11 March, the PCB, alongside the HBL PSL 8 matches, also organised three Women’s League exhibition matches in Rawalpindi, which were also participated by 10 foreign players from seven countries.

The final of the 34-team tournament will be played on Saturday, 18 March, at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Addressing a news conference ahead of Lahore Qalandars-Multan Sultans final, Mr Sethi said: “I want to thank all the stakeholders, including federal, provincial governments and law enforcement institutions for their unwavering support and making the HBL PSL 8 a success. The way all the arms of the state worked together and provided their help and support to the PCB underscores how this tournament is now considered as a national asset.

“I also want to thank the foreign players for their participation in the tournament. The foreign players want to come and play in the league as it provides them quality cricket and has helped in their development. Many foreign cricketers who have played here have gone on to graduate to the top-level, because of which the HBL PSL has emerged into as a global brand.

“All the women players who were here for the women exhibition matches in Rawalpindi have expressed their desire to come back and play in Pakistan, which is a great advert for our country.

“I also want to congratulate my team for the smooth delivery of the event. It is no mean task to flawlessly deliver logistical and operational support to the tournament of such a magnitude at four venues. We were managing two production teams and many a time the turnaround time was very tight, but their undying spirit and resolve made sure that we never faced any obstacles.

“Despite all the logistical challenges, we were able to conduct a high-class opening ceremony in Multan. Never before has an opening ceremony being delivered of such great quality. When I took over the affairs, no preparation had been made for the opening ceremony. I personally looked into the affairs and made sure that we continue to build the brand of the HBL PSL through sheer hard work and dedication.

“It took us two months from planning till execution to deliver the HBL PSL, and I have no qualms in claiming that we can deliver the HBL PSL in any part of the world, because of the knowledge and expertise we possess.

“The HBL PSL would not have been this successful without the love and support that it has received from the fans. We had turnout of 80 per cent on average and at times, it went to 95 per cent. It is their support that has turned the HBL PSL into a global brand. The new levels of interest and following has seen record ticket sales, record crowd turnout and record digital and TV ratings, which has not happened before.

“The tournament was only made successful because of the great quality of cricket.

“We produced pitches that supported batting and bowling and provided perfect setting for evenly contested matches. Never before we saw as many as seven centuries being scored in an edition. Multan Sultans posted 262, the highest HBL PSL score, and the we also saw the record for the highest match aggregate in the world getting set when Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans amassed 515 runs in Rawalpindi.

“There were three five-fers, joint most with HBL PSL 1, a hat-trick and top-10 bowlers included seven fast bowlers (all locals) and three spinners (all local).

“These are just phenomenal numbers.

“HBL PSL 8 also contributed in keeping country’s economic wheel moving as it created job opportunities and helped tourism, hotel industry, airlines and road traveling business grow. We have paid PKR70crore in taxes to the federal government, PKR50crore in sales taxes and another PKR50crore in provincial taxes and also helped businesses grow.

“Moving on, we will work on uplifting our stadia in Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Rawalpindi, Quetta and Peshawar as I feel we need to enhance the facilities to make them at par with the world. We are also in talks with the relevant authorities in Karachi and government in Lahore to make five-star hotels with the stadiums so the people don’t have to face disturbances when the matches are held.”

[sam_ahm]

This season of PSL was a good one and the quality of players was much better than earlier editions. Lots of pakistani players have performed well which is good for Pakistan.

While I still prefer watching more of international cricket as compared to leagues, this year I've watched a fair number of PSL games, esp in the first half of the season.