The PSL-6

Here we go! Defenders Karachi Kings are all set to take on Quetta Gladiators in the opening encounter of the sixth edition of Pakistan Super League – the PSL-6 – at Karachi’s National Stadium today. The next 25 days will provide full-on cricketainment to the game lovers the world over. For a second time in a row, the whole of the super league is scheduled on local venues. And the fact that none of the foreign players has been heard expressing qualms about playing in Pakistan is enough an evidence of the country having defeated the damaging perception of it being a pariah destination for sports. In fact, more and more foreign players, as well as officials, commentators and experts from aboard, are now willing to be a part of the prestigious PSL brand – something that comes in acknowledgement of the efforts of the government, the cricket board and security forces to promote the soft image of the country the world over.

That PSL has been a great multi-dimensional success story goes without saying. Apart from sending a powerful message to the whole world that Pakistan is safe for foreign travel and tourism as well as financial investment, it is making a huge contribution towards turning cricket into a profitable industry. The premier league has not only lifted the financial status of all those connected with the game of cricket in the country in any capacity, it is turning out to be a lucrative deal for all the associated corporate franchises. Besides, the broadcast of the matches to more than a dozen countries of the world is also fetching the much-needed foreign exchange against the sale of broadcasting rights. And in pure cricketing gains, the PSL has served to nurture promising talent that has come handy for Team Pakistan in its international undertakings.

In a welcome development for cricket enthusiasts in the country, the two stadiums where all the matches will be played are allowed to take spectators to fill 20% of the seating capacity. So here we go!