What's new

Pakistan Super League 2020 - Discussion Thread

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appears ineffective to ensure thermal scanning of the spectators at the stadiums during Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches to prevent spreading coronavirus in the country, despite having four cases reported in Karachi and Islamabad.

The PCB, which is organizing Pakistan biggest cricketing event in the country, should have taken precautionary measures to avert possible coronavirus threats during the matches.

However, it is observed that PCB has so far appeared ineffective to ensure thermal scanning of the spectators with the help of provincial governments to avoid ‘coronavirus threats' during PSL matches.

Dr. Qaiser Sajjad, secretary general Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) strongly urged the PCB to ensure thermal scanning of the spectators at the entry points of all four stadiums where PSL matches are being played.

“PCB should ensure thermal scanners at the stadiums," Dr. Qaiser told Business Recorder.

Dr. Qaiser further suggested the spectators to wear surgical masks and increase water intake at the stadiums to protect themselves from coronavirus attack.

The World Heath Organization (WHO) guidelines stated: “Maintaining at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between persons and anyone who is coughing or sneezing as someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If anyone is too close, he/she can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease".

Contrary to the said guidelines, no arrangements for implementing WHO guidelines have so far been taken at the stadiums, putting the lives of thousands of spectators at the mercy of lethal COVID-19 that haunting millions across the globe.

PSL is emerging as a brand and earning pride for the country, experts said, any negligence by the organizers could cost heavily to the country's image.

The trend to watch cricket match in stadiums is expected to increase in upcoming matches of PSL as the tournament is entering into the most thrilling phase and the sport lovers have advised the organizers and authorities concerned to ensure proper preventive healthcare arrangements for the visitors.

The PCB is holding PSL matches on four venues – Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan.

However, PCB official, who don't want to be named, said that government was struggling to ensure thermal scanners at all important places then how PCB could guarantee the same for the spectators at the stadiums.

“We are taking all possible measures – distribution of surgical masks and hand sanitizers through its commercial partner at the stadiums. In addition, all franchises, local and foreign players have been briefed about the measures being taken to protect from coronavirus". To a question, he said that PCB had a policy not to be vocal on this issue hence no official statement has so far been issued.

https://www.brecorder.com/2020/03/03/576494/pcb-must-ensure-thermal-scanning-of-the-spectators/
 
Players to don pink caps to observe breast cancer awareness day

Lahore, 6 March 2020:

As a part of its initiative to create awareness about breast cancer, the players featuring in the double-header of the HBL Pakistan Super League on Saturday, 7 March, will don pink caps.

Teams fielding first during Islamabad United-Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars-Quetta Gladiators contests in Rawalpindi and Lahore, respectively, will be accompanied by young girls, wearing pink caps, to their fielding positions.

In addition, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, and Pindi Cricket Stadium will be turned pink. The stumps will be coated in pink colour and messages for the awareness about the disease will be displayed on the in-stadia screens. The players, match officials and commentators will wear pink ribbons.

Pakistan, amongst all Asian countries, has the highest burden of breast cancer, and this is the second instance in six months that the PCB is joining hands with Pink Ribbon Pakistan to observe the breast cancer awareness day.

Previously, the PCB had turned Pakistan’s home of cricket, the Gaddafi Stadium, pink for the first time in history for the third T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on 9 October.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Missing the PSL, but the powers to be chose who they wanted and I didn't get the phone call. But it is great to see the crowds loving cricket back at home. It's been a great tournament so far. More International teams tour Pakistan please. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bringthegamehomeforgood?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bringthegamehomeforgood</a> <a href="https://t.co/thV6CwngKR">https://t.co/thV6CwngKR</a></p>— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brad_Hogg/status/1235569492123504643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
HBL PSL 2020 - Thank you Rawalpindi and Islamabad

• “We were delighted to see the fans have a great time, celebrate regular resumption of cricket activities and support the Pakistan Cricket Board,” says Salman Naseer

• After nearly 80,000 spectators attended three matches in Multan, around 100,000 watched live action at the Pindi Cricket Stadium

• Ground staff across termed by the PCB as the eighth team in the HBL PSL 2020

Lahore, 9 March 2020:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today hailed the contribution of Rawalpindi and Islamabad fans, local and provincial administrations and the security agencies in making HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 a resounding success in its homecoming edition.

The PCB also paid tribute to the Pindi Cricket Stadium ground staff, terming them as part of the eighth team of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020.

Over 100,000 spectators attended the HBL Pakistan Super League matches at the 17,000-capacity Pindi Cricket Stadium. This is after approximately 80,000 fans had watched live action at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

Crowd response in Lahore and Karachi has been equally overwhelming. In Lahore, to date, the average crowd attendances have remained at around 80 per cent, while the first four matches in Karachi have seen attendances breaking the 90 per cent barrier.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer said: “We owe a big thanks to the cricket fans and followers of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad who turned up in big numbers to play their part in the success of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020.

“We govern the game for the people of Pakistan, so, in this background we were delighted to see the fans have a great time, celebrate the regular resumption of cricket activities and support the Pakistan Cricket Board.

“The fans’ contribution has not only motivated and inspired the players to produce their best performances, but has also helped Pakistan to showcase its values, culture and passion through our world-class broadcast, positive media and proactive social media coverage.

“There have been games in which weather has not been cricket-friendly, but the fans have remained patient and loyal, which is another hallmark of this great nation.”

Salman Naseer had special praise for the ground staff. “After the six participating sides and the match officials, ground staff are the eighth team in the tournament. Pindi Cricket Stadium ground staff were the real heroes when they worked tirelessly to prepare the ground for matches despite persistent rains.

“We have equally hardworking and determined ground staff in Lahore and Karachi. When you have such a committed staff working for the PCB, the organisation can only flourish, which, in turn, benefits the game and the athletes.”

Thanking the local and provincial authorities, Salman Naseer said: “On behalf of the PCB, I also want to appreciate the support of the local administration, provincial governments and security agencies. Without their cooperation, the PCB would not have been able to put together a spectacle of this magnitude.

“The PCB is very fortunate to have strong relationships with all the government agencies and this is clearly reflected in the successful holding of the biggest cricket tournament in the history of Pakistan.”

HBL PSL 2020 results at Pindi Cricket Stadium

Islamabad United (187-7) lost to Quetta Gladiators (190-5) by five wickets

Peshawar Zalmi (132-7, 12 overs) beat Lahore Qalandars (116-6, 12 overs) by 16 runs

Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi shared points after match abandoned without a ball bowled

Islamabad United (183-3) lost to Karachi Kings (187-5) by five wickets

Peshawar Zalmi (151-8) lost to Karachi Kings (152-4) by six wickets

Peshawar Zalmi (170-6, 15 overs) beat Quetta Gladiators (140-7, 15 overs) by 30 runs

Islamabad United (195-5) lost to Peshawar Zalmi (85-2, 9 overs) by seven runs (DLS Method)

Islamabad United (91-7, 9 overs) lost to Multan Sultans (94-1, 6.4 overs) by nine wickets
 
Foreign players soak in electrifying HBL PSL atmosphere across Pakistan

• “The atmosphere in Multan on all game days was unbelievable. You could clearly sense the passion the people have for their team and the game,” says Sultan’s Moeen Ali.

• “The crowds have been excellent, most games have been packed and the support we have received from the Zalmi fans has been excellent,” says Zalmi’s Liam Livingstone.

• “The people have been so welcoming, I can just see it in their faces that they’ve missed having teams come play cricket here,” says United’s Dale Steyn.

• “We can’t wait to get back to Karachi, the support we had there are the start of the tournament was absolutely fantastic,” says King’s Alex Hales.

• “The spectators at the GSL have convinced me that at least in Lahore there is just one team to play for,” says Qalandars’ Ben Dunk

• “It’s been amazing to play at all four venues in Pakistan Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan as all four stadiums were full of spectators”, says Gladiators’ Shane Watson


Karachi, 9 March 2020:

The HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 has caught the imagination of some of the biggest stars of the crash, bang and wallop T20 format. All six participating teams have assembled mega stars of the game from around the world and with the league heading towards its business end, these players have expressed their joy at how enjoyable their stints have been with their respective sides.

While, Pakistanis have provided their traditional hospitality, the players have enjoyed tremendous support in the hugely competitive league where every run scored and wicket taken has to be properly earned by the players due to the high quality of talent available in each squad.

Defending champions Quetta Gladiators, two-time champions Islamabad United and 2017 champions Peshawar Zalmi are all locked in a fierce battle for three available play-off spots along with the two biggest franchises in terms of crowd support, Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars.

The only team so far to confirm their berth in the play-off is Multan Sultans with a tally of 11 points from seven games (five wins, one loss and one no-result).

Sultans’ all-rounder and England’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 winner Moeen Ali has felt the excitement and buzz of the HBL PSL especially in his side’s hometown Multan:

Moeen Ali said: “The atmosphere in Multan on all game days was unbelievable. You could clearly sense the passion the people have for their team and the game. We were particularly moved by the hospitality, love and support offered by the people of Multan who took ownership of the team and we are grateful to them for their incredible hospitality.

“With regards to the facilities, the stadium in Multan is one of the most beautiful from around the world and the pitches there were perfect for T20 cricket, offering something both for the batsmen and the bowlers. “We saw good quality cricket there, hopefully in the next year we will play all our home games in Multan.”

Second-placed Zalmi have had a mixed run in the tournament, however, the team continues to ride on a popularity wave across the country and have received frenzied support in Karachi, Multan, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

English batsman Liam Livingstone, who wore the Karachi Kings shirt in the HBL PSL 2019, is looking forward to the challenge of the all-to-play-for last week of the group stage under captain Wahab Riaz.

Liam Livingstone said: “Last few weeks have been crucial and it feels like we are gaining momentum at the right end of the tournament. You want to peak towards the end of the tournament, not at the start. So far, Wahab has been very good and it is a seamless transition from Daren Sammy (as captain). Wahab is a very relaxed character who has total confidence in his skill so he can lead from the front.

“The crowds have been excellent, most games have been packed and the support we have received from the Zalmi fans has been excellent. There is always a sea of yellow wherever we play, especially at Pindi where the atmosphere has been incredible. Hopefully that carries on for the rest of the tournament and fingers crossed for the play-offs.”

Currently placed third on the table, United have an uphill qualification task as they have just one group game left (versus Karachi Kings, 14 March). A win might not be enough for them to ensure their progress as they might have to rely on other results.

United have been well served by their foreign stars so far with legendary South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn thoroughly enjoying his return to Pakistan for the first time since 2007.

Steyn praised the untiring efforts of the Pindi Cricket Stadium ground staff, who put relentless efforts to get the games underway at the venue despite a heavy rain laden last week.

Dale Steyn said: “I’ve really enjoyed being back. The people have been so welcoming, I can just see it in their faces that they’ve missed having teams come play cricket here and are so excited by the presence of all the overseas players.

“The ground staff in Pindi was exceptional, getting us on the park with all this rain and allowing the fans to enjoy some cricket has been world-class.

“Hopefully we can repay the fans of Islamabad back with a good win in Karachi and possibly set us up for the finals.”

Karachi Kings also have a massive week coming up; the Karachi-based franchise will enjoy home support as they look to seal one of the four play-off berths. They play all three remaining games under the National Stadium’s floodlights.

Kings have one of the most formidable top-order in the tournament with the top-ranked T20I player Babar Azam, Sharjeel Khan and Englishman Alex Hales providing fireworks in the opening overs.

Hales is the top run-getter so far for Kings with a tally of 239 runs, which includes two half-centuries, at 59.75. The big-hitting right-hander is enjoying his batting stints with both Babar and Sharjeel.

Alex Hales said: “Having those two at the top of the order is a real strength of ours. The right-hand left-hand combo is very useful and they are both completely different players and hit the ball in different areas, which can be difficult for bowlers to adjust their plans every other delivery.

“We can’t wait to get back to Karachi, the support we had there are the start of the tournament was absolutely fantastic. I hope that it’s three more sold out crowds and they can give us that extra edge over our opposition.

“If we play how we know we’re capable of playing, we should qualify in the top two which is what we set out to do at the start of the tournament.”

Lahore Qalandars have come alive with back-to-back wins against Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings. They victories have propelled them to the fifth spot.

Batsman Ben Dunk has smashed sixes at will and has played an integral role in Qalandars’ turn with contributions of 99 not out and 93 in two out of the three Qalandars’ victories. His 23 sixes are so far the most by any batsman in the HBL PSL 2020.

Dunk has become a superstar in Lahore, the left-handed Australian big-hitter is humbled by the love and adulation he has received in his side’s hometown.

Ben Dunk said: “The crowd at the Gaddafi Stadium has been absolutely fantastic. With the tournament becoming even more exciting, the support for the teams, in fact the whole event, has grown manifolds with spectators getting even more impassioned about the game.

“The spectators at the Gaddafi Stadium have convinced me that at least in Lahore there is just one team to play for. I am really looking forward to the rest of the event, as we will give it our absolute all to ensure qualification in the play-offs especially since two of the play-off games are in Lahore including the final. Qalandars in the final will make for an unbelievable atmosphere.”

Defending champions Gladiators are enduring a slump and are at the risk of elimination before the play-off stage.

Currently languishing at the bottom of the table, Gladiators need to win both their remaining games (against Multans Sultans on 11 March and Karachi Kings on 15 March) to stand a chance of securing a top-four spot.

Batsman Shane Watson – the man of the tournament in the 2019 edition – will have a crucial role to play if Gladiators are to get over the line in the last two group games. Watson has termed the HBL PSL in Pakistan an ‘amazing experience.’

Shane Watson said: “It’s been amazing to play at all four venues in Pakistan. The stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan were filled to their capacities by passionate spectators. This is what the HBL PSL should be all about, inspiring the next generation to take up the game of cricket.

“We will do our best to win the last two games and book a place in the playoffs with an aim of fighting for our title till the very last.”

Seven group games are left out of which three will be played in Lahore, while Karachi’s National Stadium will host four.

The play-offs commence from 18 March, while tournament’s last three games including the last two play-offs and final will be played in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
 
Karachi, 11 March 2020:

Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars will face-off in the 26th fixture of the HBL Pakistan Super League under National Stadium floodlights on Thursday with both the sides aiming to strengthen their chances of qualifying for next week’s playoffs.

The match is further spiced up following last week’s thriller at the jam-packed Gaddafi Stadium in which Lahore Qalandars chased down out a 188-run target for the loss of two wickets to leave Karachi Kings shell-shocked.

On the points table, Qalandars, thanks to their three consecutive victories, are occupying third place on eight points from as many matches, while Kings are sitting fifth on seven points. However, Kings have played one less match with all their last three league fixtures scheduled in front of their home fans.

While this will be Qalandars’ first match at the National Stadium, Kings will be appearing in their third match at the venue. Kings had made an impressive start when they scored 201 for four, event’s second-highest team score to date, and then restricted Peshawar Zalmi to 191 for seven. But they were at the wrong end of the stick against Quetta Gladiators when they lost by five wickets despite restricting the reigning champions to 55 for three after they had been set a 157-run target.

Qalandars’ remarkable comeback has been driven by their Australian overseas player Ben Dunk. The 33-year-old Queenslander has scored 257 runs, including a punishing 93 against Gladiators and a ruthless 99 not out against Kings. Dunk is now just nine runs behind the tournament’s leading run-getter Islamabad United’s Luke Ronchi (266 runs in eight matches).

The other positive news for Qalandars has been the return to form of Fakhar Zaman and Chris Lynn, who stroked half-centuries against Peshawar Zalmi on Tuesday while adding 116 runs for the second wicket. Fakhar now has 172 runs, while Lynn is six runs behind on 166.

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been Qalandars’ leading wicket-taker with 11 wickets, but the real contributor has been Samit Patel. The 35-year-old has taken nine wickets and scored 132 runs.

Karachi Kings have relied heavily on Alex Hales and Babar Azam, and the stats confirm this fact as the two are sitting in the 200-run group. Hales has 239 runs and is sixth on the list of leading run-getters, while Babar has scored 225 and is ninth.

However, Kings have been provided the real impetus in the middle of the innings by Chadwick Walton who has scored his 115 runs at a staggering strike-rate of 162.

With Kings preparing to launch for the crucial matches, they will be hoping Imad Wasim and Sharjeel Khan return to form. The two have scored 95 and 88 runs, respectively.

Mohammad Amir is Kings’ leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets, followed by Chris Jordon (seven) and Imad Wasim and Umer Khan (four apiece).

Apart from the Karachi Kings-Lahore Qalandars high-profile fixture, the other mouth-watering match is expected to be between Karachi Kings and Islamabad United on 14 March.

Irrespective of how Thursday’s match pans out, Saturday’s match may potentially end United’s journey if they end up on the losing side. United, the two-time winners, have seven points and their fixture against Kings will be their last league match.

With Multan Sultans already assured of a place in the play-offs, Peshawar Zalmi will be eying for a place in the last four when they will lock horns with Sultans on Friday. The match will start at 8pm.

Friday’s match will be Zalmi’s last league match. They are presently sitting second on the points table and have nine points with four wins. A win against Sultans will guarantee them a place in the last-four.

Karachi will also be the venue of the Qualifier, when the top-two sides will feature on Tuesday, 17 March. The winner of this match will qualify for the 22 March final, while the losing side will have another opportunity to qualify for the final when they will take on the winner of 18 March fixture on 20 March.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Commissioner Karachi has issued the following advisory for spectators who will be attending matches at the National Stadium:

• Wash your hands with soap / alcoholic sanitizers after coughing or sneezing, before and after eating food and after toilet use;

• Use tissue papers / handkerchief while sneezing;

• Properly dispose off used tissue papers / handkerchief etc. in dust bins;

• In case of any symptoms of flu and cough, avoid coming into the stadium;

• Avoid hand shaking and hugging with each other;

• Avoid close contact when anyone is experiencing cough and fever

• Avoid touching unnecessarily chairs / railings and steel bars in the stadium;

• Avoid spitting, throwing water, food, empty bottles and wrappers in open in the stadium.

Upcoming matches in Karachi:

12 March – Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars (7pm-10.15pm)
13 March – Peshawar Zalmi v Multan Sultans (8pm-11.15pm)
14 March – Karachi Kings v Islamabad United (7pm-10.15pm)
15 March –Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings (7pm-10.15pm)
17 March – Qualifier (1 vs 2) (7pm-10.15pm)

Previous HBL PSL 2020 results in Karachi:

Islamabad United (168) lost to Quetta Gladiators (171-7, 18.3 overs) by three wickets
Karachi Kings (201-4) beat Peshawar Zalmi (191-7) by 10 runs
Quetta Gladiators (148-5) lost to Peshawar Zalmi (153-4, 18.3 overs) by six wickets.
Karachi Kings (156-9) lost to Quetta Gladiators (157-5, 19 overs) by five wickets
 
Last edited:
Back
Top