PSL success story
The curtain has come down on the eight edition of Pakistan Super League. With Lahore Qalandars retaining the coveted title, for the first time in history, the game of extravaganza, fervour and thrill has won millions of hearts at home and abroad. It is a tribute to the gentleman’s game that it sticks to the cores of resilience and passion, as local and foreign players exhibited utmost sportsmanship to make it a success. The fact that the entire episode was held uninterrupted in Pakistan, despite political and security upheavals, deserves a salute to all those who made it a success. To count the least, it has not only re-spirited the great game of cricket to galvanise talent at home, but has also brought in unprecedented economic dividends.
It was comforting to learn that the PSL had surpassed the Indian Premier League on digital rating, leading by 20 points. Likewise, it generated a bonanza of economic activity at a time when chips were down on the national front, and the commercial enterprise reportedly paid Rs70 crores in taxes to the federal government, Rs50 crores each in sales taxes, and to the provincial coffers. Last but not least, the biggest achievement was having foreign players at home, who kept their heads high and relived the entertainment with bat and ball, invincibly drawing praise and gratitude. This edition, completely held at home, proved that the people are peace-loving and can go to any extent to support the cause of self-pride, and not a single scuffle or drawdown was witnessed anywhere. It stands acknowledged at home and beyond.
The decision to hold PSL at home, after years of throttling abroad, has won laurels. It has vindicated nationalism and put Pakistan back on the map of international cricket. Similarly, the touring of Aussies, Kiwis, Brits, Zimbabweans and West Indies to Pakistan has come as a shot in the arm, and the PSL follow-up confirmed the capacity and capability to hold big-ticket performances at home. The PSL teams, players and their patrons from Karachi to Peshawar and from Multan to Lahore have reenacted the true face of Pakistan as a caring and courteous society that loves sports and the spirit of sharing joy.
e cause of self-pride
Published in The Express Tribune, March 20th, 2023.
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