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Lahore matches in PSL 2019 moved to Karachi due to logistical and operational challenges

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Lahore matches in HBL PSL moved to Karachi due to logistical and operational challenges

· Pakistan-leg matches to commence from 9 March; all eight matches to be played at the National Stadium.

· Ehsan Mani: “Due to the recent and prevailing uncertainty, we felt it critical to make a decisive decision at this juncture. Ensuring all matches are played in Pakistan falls in line with our vision to take all eight matches of the HBL PSL 2019 matches to the people of Pakistan”s

Dubai, 3 March 2019:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced the eight Pakistan-leg matches of the HBL Pakistan Super League will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi. This late change, caused due to a situation beyond the PCB’s control, has also resulted in a tweak to the Pakistan-leg matches, which will now commence from 9 March with all eight matches to be played in as many days.

The decision has been made following the delayed opening of the Lahore airspace for commercial flights, which has created substantial operational and logistical challenges relating to the delivery of the three Lahore matches, which were originally scheduled for 9, 10 and 12 March.

Some of the key challenges that PCB has faced as a result of the delayed opening of the Lahore airport have included securing production equipment and the commitment of broadcast crew, as well as finalising the logistics for the officials and teams.

PCB Chairman Mr Ehsan Mani: “This has been a difficult and tough decision, which has been taken following discussion and consultation with all the franchisees and service providers to ensure certainty and clarity on the event as well as delivery of the remaining matches as per the PCB’s own very high standards.

“Due to the recent and prevailing uncertainty, we felt it critical to make a decisive decision at this juncture. Ensuring all matches are played in Pakistan falls in line with our vision to take all eight matches of the HBL PSL 2019 matches to the people of Pakistan.

“We had considered the option of shifting the dates of the eight matches in Pakistan, but because the Pakistan cricket team has to leave for the UAE on 19 March for the ODI series against Australia, this was not possible. We also looked at swapping matches between Lahore and Karachi, but paucity of time would have rendered this option unworkable.

“It is unfortunate that the headquarters of Pakistan cricket will be unable to host the PSL matches in 2019 due to no fault of the PCB, but this is a small sacrifice for a bigger and larger national cause.

“We have spoken with the franchisees, who have backed this decision and have reinforced that all their foreign players will feature in the last eight matches of what has been an outstanding and highly competitive tournament that has been thoroughly enjoyed by the fans and the players.

“The PCB appreciates and applauds the support of the franchisees as well as the players, who understand that the evolving situation has forced us to make these amendments to the event schedule.”

According to the revised schedule, the Pakistan-leg matches will start on 9 March with Lahore Qalandars meeting Islamabad United at 7pm PST. The only double-header will be played on 11 Match when Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans will go head to head at 2pm. This will be followed by Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi match which will start at 7pm.

The Qualifier between the number-one and two placed sides will be played on 13 March, while Eliminator 1 between the third and fourth-placed sides will take place on 14 March. Eliminator 2 between the loser of the Qualifier and winner of Eliminator 1 will be played on 15 March.

The final will take place as per schedule on 17 March, with the first ball being bowled at 7pm PST.

Revised event schedule:


Saturday, 9 March – Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United (match starts 7pm PST)
Sunday, 10 March – Karachi Kings v Quetta Gladiators (match starts 7pm PST)
Monday, 11 March – Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans (match starts 2pm PST); Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi (match starts 7pm PST)
Wednesday, 13 March – Qualifier (1 v 2) (match starts 7pm PST)
Thursday, 14 March – Eliminator 1 (3 v 4) (match starts 7pm PST)
Friday, 15 March – Eliminator 2 (match starts 7pm PST)
Sunday, 17 March – Final (match starts 7pm PST)

Ticketing – The PCB will refund tickets for all Lahore matches as per the face value of the tickets with more details to follow in due course.

With the slight amendment in the match schedule for Karachi matches, further details will be provided for existing match ticket-holders and for purchasing of tickets for the additional games.
 
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[REPORTS] PSL 2019 matches scheduled for Lahore likely to be moved to Karachi

Yeah, it is on news and the Chief Minister of Sindh has almost confirmed of this development in a media talk.

The question is, why? What has led them to do this? Could there be some intelligence report or an inside news on the possibility of any terror attack being plotted or what? The Indo-Pak tensions and the fear of escalation to it could be another factor, but that would hardly make sense given that anything such, a war or an attack from a country, engulfs the whole country instead of a city or two. Very curious about this move - although no official announcement has been made yet. So it´s wise to wait and watch.
 
Yeah, it is on news and the Chief Minister of Sindh has almost confirmed of this development in a media talk.

The question is, why? What has led them to do this? Could there be some intelligence report or an inside news on the possibility of any terror attack being plotted or what? The Indo-Pak tensions and the fear of escalation to it could be another factor, but that would hardly make sense given that anything such, a war or an attack from a country, engulfs the whole country instead of a city or two. Very curious about this move - although no official announcement has been made yet. So it´s wise to wait and watch.

I think because Lahore is near the border so if anything happens the last thing they need is worrying about cricket teams.
 
well well well

Imran bhai, you criticized PSL taking place in one city during Najem Sethis/Nawaz SHarif tenure, now what?

We talk about bringing whole PSL back to Pakistan, it is very unlikely, unless they schedule the whole tournament in one city.

This is ridiculous.
 
well well well

Imran bhai, you criticized PSL taking place in one city during Najem Sethis/Nawaz SHarif tenure, now what?

We talk about bringing whole PSL back to Pakistan, it is very unlikely, unless they schedule the whole tournament in one city.

This is ridiculous.

You do realise that this is due to exceptional circumstances...
 
8 consecutive matches in Karachi and a couple on the same day.That's too much.

They can move it to some other cities which are not nesr the border particularly if that their concern.
Really dissapointed for the Lahoris who have bought the tickets and were probably looking forward to it.
 
Saying its because the technical equipment couldn't be moved to Lahore in time due to the flight restrictions...
 
Why are people complaining?

It’s easy to sit behind a computer screen and complain with arrogance without applying emotional intelligence. Grow up honestly.

Security comes first. You think PCB wanted this? Clearly they don’t want a repeat of what happened to SL when they came to Pak. Its clear intelligence knows something we don’t and as a result they believe it is NOT safe for Lahore to host any games.

Feel for the Lahoris, but security and safety comes first.
 
well well well

Imran bhai, you criticized PSL taking place in one city during Najem Sethis/Nawaz SHarif tenure, now what?

We talk about bringing whole PSL back to Pakistan, it is very unlikely, unless they schedule the whole tournament in one city.

This is ridiculous.

Nonsense!

Yes, they moved it because they didn't want matches to be held in Lahore . . what logic is that? If that were the case, why did they schedule games in Lahore in the first place . .

Like PCB said, there was no option . . these are exceptional circumstances! Lahore's airport operation doesn't resume in full until March 9th!

Other stadia . . have you seen their conditions? They are in no position to hold PSL games . . even National Stadium karachi underwent massive renovation to be ready to hold the final last year . . so you can imagine what kind of work would be required in other stadia across the country!

Please criticize justly and fairly and where it's due!
 
It is what is it,thankfully the curators at Karachi have prepared 5 pitches so it wont be too bad.
 
What about fans who have bought tickets for Lahore games? Will they get refund? or how they will reach Karachi if they want to watch the games?
 
Feel for lahoris, but guys this is not the end of the world. We should be proud and happy that the matches are still happening in Pakistan!!
 
Why are people complaining?

It’s easy to sit behind a computer screen and complain with arrogance without applying emotional intelligence. Grow up honestly.

Security comes first. You think PCB wanted this? Clearly they don’t want a repeat of what happened to SL when they came to Pak. Its clear intelligence knows something we don’t and as a result they believe it is NOT safe for Lahore to host any games.

Feel for the Lahoris, but security and safety comes first.

This.
But some peopel only know how to complain.
 
Next time they should organize some of the games in Islamabad. It's probably the safest city in Pak.

But it is what it is. At the least we will get some games in Pakistan!
 
Feel for lahoris, but guys this is not the end of the world. We should be proud and happy that the matches are still happening in Pakistan!!

Very sad indeed for the Lahore Qalanders. But it is what it is. Things will be better next year. At the least we got some games in Pak this year as well.
 
I get the feeling that it’s less about security and more about not being able to manage to production teams working simultaneously in two different cities. They probably think it was more expensive and too much of a hassle so they used the security situation as a cover to shift all matches in Karachi. I might be wrong but I really feel bad for the Lahore fans.
 
So from where we(karachi fans) can purchased tickets of these shifted matches?
 
This is the greatest injustice with most beautiful peaceful and developed city of Pakistan.
 
well well well

Imran bhai, you criticized PSL taking place in one city during Najem Sethis/Nawaz SHarif tenure, now what?

We talk about bringing whole PSL back to Pakistan, it is very unlikely, unless they schedule the whole tournament in one city.

This is ridiculous.

Man this guy comes across as the most dumb ignorant poster on all of PP at times.



You know about the current circumstances don't you?
 
Genuinely sad for Lahoris who wanted to see LQ play in their home town.

Insha Allah next season.

9th-17th march will be very hectic for Lahorites.
 
Good decision, although how pitch turns out to be for 8 matches will be interesting to see.

I hope myself including crowd for the matches is maximum possible, with no empty seats.
 
after long time a day match in Pakistan that too in HD quality .So refreshing and bringing back memories of 2007 :yahoo:gayle

Monday, 11 March – Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans (match starts 2pm PST);
 
They should have reduced the number of matches in Pakistan once Lahore wasn't available as a venue. Holding 2 matches on Monday & no match on Tuesday seems so dumb. Heightened security & traffic restrictions for 10 days will be extremely frustrating for Karachites.
 
Man this guy comes across as the most dumb ignorant poster on all of PP at times.



You know about the current circumstances don't you?

coming from the guy who was bashing Najem Sethi for a tv production deal that was made by Ehsan Mani
 
Nonsense!

Yes, they moved it because they didn't want matches to be held in Lahore . . what logic is that? If that were the case, why did they schedule games in Lahore in the first place . .

Like PCB said, there was no option . . these are exceptional circumstances! Lahore's airport operation doesn't resume in full until March 9th!

Other stadia . . have you seen their conditions? They are in no position to hold PSL games . . even National Stadium karachi underwent massive renovation to be ready to hold the final last year . . so you can imagine what kind of work would be required in other stadia across the country!

Please criticize justly and fairly and where it's due!

its funny how you guys bring in logic all of a sudden, when Sethi had to face circumstances, then everyone was bashing him. At that time the logic didnt matter as it suited the political narrative of some here
 
They should have reduced the number of matches in Pakistan once Lahore wasn't available as a venue. Holding 2 matches on Monday & no match on Tuesday seems so dumb. Heightened security & traffic restrictions for 10 days will be extremely frustrating for Karachites.

I was thinking the same. It will be over burdened. Lahore matches should be played in UAE. TBH I am against the idea that at this period of time PSL should be played in Pakistan.
 
its funny how you guys bring in logic all of a sudden, when Sethi had to face circumstances, then everyone was bashing him. At that time the logic didnt matter as it suited the political narrative of some here

Bro what sethi was facing can't be compare with what mani is facing.
Other grounds are not in condition to play the cricket. Most importantly as per PCB it's due to operational and logistic challenges if this is true then the same problem will remain with every big city where we have an airport & 4 star hotel.
 
Why are people complaining?
It’s easy to sit behind a computer screen and complain with arrogance without applying emotional intelligence. Grow up honestly.

Security comes first. You think PCB wanted this? Clearly they don’t want a repeat of what happened to SL when they came to Pak. Its clear intelligence knows something we don’t and as a result they believe it is NOT safe for Lahore to host any games.

Feel for the Lahoris, but security and safety comes first.
Finally a sane voice...thank you.
 
The PCB needs to urgently get the other stadiums in Pakistan up to Modern Standards.

I wonder how long will it take the Rafi Stadium in Bahria Town. Why can't they use the Defence Stadium in Karachi?
 
The PCB needs to urgently get the other stadiums in Pakistan up to Modern Standards.

I wonder how long will it take the Rafi Stadium in Bahria Town. Why can't they use the Defence Stadium in Karachi?

It's not a top of the line facility. Right now NSK is the only ground in Karachi that can hold high profile games. There's a couple of grounds that are supposed to have good facilities but I don't think they are big enough.
 
As sad as it is, no alternative really for the PCB.

Still, at least the matches are still in Pakistan.
 
It's not a top of the line facility. Right now NSK is the only ground in Karachi that can hold high profile games. There's a couple of grounds that are supposed to have good facilities but I don't think they are big enough.

Defence deserves to have a stadium of its own, it should be expanded. Security concerns can be reduced as well as Defence is one of the safest areas of Pakistan.
 
It’s sad that it’s not in Lahore, but retaining in Karachi is important for the league
Don’t understand the unnecessary criticism, this is the best that the PCB and PSL team can deliver, given the current circumstances and short time they have to work with
 
well well well

Imran bhai, you criticized PSL taking place in one city during Najem Sethis/Nawaz SHarif tenure, now what?

We talk about bringing whole PSL back to Pakistan, it is very unlikely, unless they schedule the whole tournament in one city.

This is ridiculous.
Do you know what you’re talking about and why the marches are being shifted from Lahore ?
 
its funny how you guys bring in logic all of a sudden, when Sethi had to face circumstances, then everyone was bashing him. At that time the logic didnt matter as it suited the political narrative of some here

First of all, do not quote me as "you guys" on something that I have never said that! This generalization doesn't work!! I have maintained that Sethi did some good work while at the helm and that hasn't changed . . But that's besides the point! If anything, it seems you're the one settling political scores! If you want to have such conversations, have them with people that you are responding/referring to!

Second of all, your criticism is undue and I highlighted that . . if you disagree with that, that's your right! However, under current circumstances, there is nothing that the PCB could do! Let's be happy that there's still going to be cricket in Pak and pray that soon stadia across the country will be lit! Let's not criticize just because some of us dont like Mani! Or some of us don't like sethi so we have to criticize . . this is a cricket forum! let's not settle political scores! Let's keep cricket, Pakistan cricket and it's development at the center of it!

Thank you!
 
Dejected Lahore fans blame PCB for abrupt shifting of matches to Karachi

LAHORE: Hundreds of dejected cricket fans here in Lahore have expressed utter disappointment over shifting of the three Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches to Karachi due to logistic issues and have blamed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the abrupt decision made on Sunday.

The PCB, while announcing the shifting of matches, also announced that all the ticket holders of Lahore’s matches will be refunded on March 18.

Lahore, the regular venue of some of the PSL matches since its second edition, was allocated three matches which were to be held on March 9, 10 and 12. But the PCB sprang a surprise on everyone on Sunday evening by announxcing that all matches have been shifted to Karachi due to logistic problems.

“What logistic problems? There is no genuine reason behind shifting of the matches as just on last Thursday, the PCB held a meeting with all the six franchises owners in Dubai and all showed the consent for holding all eight matches in Pakistan — three in Lahore and five in Karachi,” said Zain Alam, a cricket fanatic who had bought five tickets of Rs 500 each for the matches.

It is felt by the critics that had the PCB adopted a policy of holding the matches for PSL’s Pakistan leg in sequence — similar to what has been done at the three centers of the UAE — Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi — the board would have easily overcome the logistic problems. “The PCB could share eight matches equally between the two cities by holding first four in the coastal city and then last four in Lahore including the final to give entertainment to fans of both the largest cities of the country,” said a knowledgeable critics of the game.

Talking to Dawn, Zain added: “I spent almost three hours in a que in front of a courier office to purchase the tickets, but this announcement of the PCB has really dis appointed me and my friends as we have lost a great opportunity to witness exciting games” he lamented.

Another ticket holder Muhammmad Aamir also expressed similar feelings and added that it was quite possible to sort out the logistics problems, if any, as there were many resources to deal with such problems in the modern times.

Aamir said Lahore had successfully hosted several international matches in the last one year but now with one-stroke, all the matches have been shifted to Karachi which has caused great disappointment among the Lahorites.

It may be mentioned that the Punjab government, in a press release published in Sunday’s newspapers, had claimed that foolproof security will be in place for the Lahore matches and the fans will have a great time.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1467768/d...pcb-for-abrupt-shifting-of-matches-to-karachi
 
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The Director International Cricket Operations of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Zakir Khan revealed that the board has invited the representatives of different international cricket boards to watch Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Karachi.

“Representatives from different cricket boards are likely to visit Karachi during the eight matches of the PSL,” he said while talking to the media at National Stadium Karachi.

He said that the security expert from Australia is coming to Karachi to overview the security status in the city which is to host a high-profile event.

“The series against Australia is taking place in Dubai but hopefully CA will send their team to Pakistan as their security expert will be here in Karachi during PSL,” he said.

Khan said that the cricket fans are waiting for PSL’s arrival in the country and the people have moved on from Indo-Pak tension.

“I think people are happy and waiting to celebrate cricket action at National Stadium Karachi,” he said.

Khan also praised the decision of Shane Watson to visit Karachi to play PSL’s Pakistan leg which will add more value to the event. “Watson is a big name in cricket fraternity and his presence will amuse the cricket fans in the stadium,” he said.

It is pertinent to mention here that all eight matches will take place in the city of lights after the PCB shifted three matches from Lahore due to logistical and operational issues.

All franchises have confirmed that their foreign players will come to Karachi to participate in the remaining matches of the PSL in Karachi.

https://arysports.tv/australian-security-expert-visit-karachi-during-psl-zakir-khan/
 
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