PCB to hold half of next year's Pakistan Super League matches in Karachi and Lahore

[AssassinatedDevil]

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi on Friday said the cricketing body had gotten the go-ahead to hold half of all matches in the next Pakistan Super League (PSL) series in Karachi and Lahore.

Speaking to reporters at Karachi's National Stadium, Sethi said: "In the fourth PSL series, we want double-weekend matches," explaining that on Thursday and Friday, matches would be held in the United Arab Emirates, whereas teams would play in Pakistan on Saturday and Sunday.

He said it was not possible for Pakistan to host any more foreign teams this year after the March 25 PSL final in Karachi as all the national team's scheduled matches and series would be held abroad.

"The PSL final is happening in Karachi. After that, we have the West Indies series. After that, we have no more space. We're going abroad to play, but along with this we are trying to find a window in August or September to play five to seven matches with the West Indies and Bangladesh in Houston and Florida. But that hasn't been finalised as yet," he added.

"We are exploring [our options] but we don't have space for a foreign team to visit. There are some teams that are ready [to play in Pakistan]. I won't name them, but they have said they are ready so we will plan for next year. We want a top-level team, and not just three to four matches but a whole series."

The time is not right as yet, he said, explaining that stadiums must be prepared beforehand and nationwide security has to be top class before it can happen. He said that stadiums will also be built in Islamabad and Peshawar.

"We are hopeful there will be more PSL in Pakistan," he added.

Sethi said he was looking forward to the final. "One of the teams [Islamabad United] won the first championship, the other [Peshawar Zalmi], the second championship. Let's see who wins the third round," he said. "Whoever wins, it will ultimately be a win for Pakistan."

https://www.dawn.com/news/1397067/half-of-all-psl4-matches-to-be-held-in-pakistan-sethi

 

[MenInG]

That is big news! Looks like PSL is coming home

 

[j_kazmi]

Would be great if they could get a third city involved.

 

[big_gamer007]

Didn’t he say the same thing last year? Let’s wait and see what happens if it does happen then it will Ben a great step for Pakistan cricket and PSL..

 

[reversehook]

Next year begin the league in Pak, shift it to uae for the 2nd bit, then bring it back to close it off... this way the international players cannot fool you again with last minute shockers.

 

[hussain.r97]

In my opinion, they need to renovate Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan stadiums too and give each team a home venue. Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Multan can easily play their home games in Pakistan, while Quetta and Peshawar can have their home games in the UAE.

Karachi - National Stadium, Karachi
Lahore - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Islamabad - Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Multan - Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan
Quetta - Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Peshawar - Dubai Sports City, Dubai

This will mean 10 games in the UAE and 20 games in Pakistan for the group stage.

Then they should hold the qualifier and first eliminator game in a city that does not have a franchise, like Faisalabad? Eliminator 2 in Lahore. Finals in Karachi.

 

[hussain.r97]

"We are exploring [our options] but we don't have space for a foreign team to visit. There are some teams that are ready [to play in Pakistan]. I won't name them, but they have said they are ready so we will plan for next year. We want a top-level team, and not just three to four matches but a whole series."

This is the most encouraging piece of news for me. I really want to see a full 5 ODI, 3 Test, 3 T20I series being played in Pakistan.

 

[Kaka4pope]

Fair play to Sethi, we’ll never fully know the inner workings of cricket admin, but the PSL is coming along well.

The Pakistan leg is crucial and having two cities fully PSL focused will create a brilliant buzz, especially with multiple teams in one location.

 

[sshakir411]

Bringing cricket fully back to Pakistan is a long process. Fans should be patient and supportive of PCB in this endeavor. I have doubts if Najam Sethi is the ideal man to run PCB but he's made efforts that have yielded okay results so far.

The cost of updating stadiums is pretty high and this process is a gradual one. Given how PCB has been squeezed for cash in the recent past due to numerous reasons, it's unfair from the fans to be overly demanding.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Only 8 games in a week? It will take the PSL even longer. Will become an IPL type even for almost 6 weeks. I do not mind it but it might become a bit too long for some.

 

[Nil Dhumrojal]

Very good initiative. And their should be condition for foreign cricketers to go there if they play psl.

 

[shokz1408]

Woohoo great news, looking forward to see more PSL in Pakistan next year.

What did he mean by the following, I thought the first half of PSL would be in dubai, and the 2nd half in Pakistan..

"In the fourth PSL series, we want double-weekend matches," explaining that on Thursday and Friday, matches would be held in the United Arab Emirates, whereas teams would play in Pakistan on Saturday and Sunday."

So when the PSL shifts to Pakistan, matches will only be on 2 days of the week?

 

[zoeyfactor]

This is amazing news! They should play in Karachi, Lahore and Multan as Multan stadium is the best stadium we have in the country. I am curious if they have nice accomodations to live in Multan?

 

[saeed5646]

This is amazing news! They should play in Karachi, Lahore and Multan as Multan stadium is the best stadium we have in the country. I am curious if they have nice accomodations to live in Multan?

I also dream to watch the Psl match in multan which is one of the best we have
Due to security reasons domestic tournment was move out of multan but hopefully by the next year the operation will be done by law and enforcement and it will be clear

 

[ataullah]

Only 8 games in a week? It will take the PSL even longer. Will become an IPL type even for almost 6 weeks. I do not mind it but it might become a bit too long for some.

Will only make it a week longer. Theres roughly 10 matches per week in current psl.

 

[saeed5646]

It is perfect idea to hold 2 days in pakistan but what about the broadcast how will they broadcast a match in pakistan from saturday to sunday when they will be busy in uae for coverage for thursday and friday game in uae i am sure the telecast team will need atleast one day to shift the luggage from uae to pak

 

[Sayed]

"In the fourth PSL series, we want double-weekend matches," explaining that on Thursday and Friday, matches would be held in the United Arab Emirates, whereas teams would play in Pakistan on Saturday and Sunday."

So when the PSL shifts to Pakistan, matches will only be on 2 days of the week?

Double weekend means 8 matches. 2 each on Thursday and Friday in UAE, while 2 each on Saturday and Sunday in Pakistan.

Two production teams, two set of umpires, and two set of commentators as well. One working in Pakistan, while the other working in UAE.

Just like the 2015 worldcup matches, split matches between Australia and Newzeland.

 

[saeed5646]

Double weekend means 8 matches. 2 each on Thursday and Friday in UAE, while 2 each on Saturday and Sunday in Pakistan.

Two production teams, two set of umpires, and two set of commentators as well. One working in Pakistan, while the other working in UAE.

Just like the 2015 worldcup matches, split matches between Australia and Newzeland.

It is good idea but what about cost of the two different broadcaster?hopefully it will be as good as we have like in uae

 

[Sayed]

It is good idea but what about cost of the two different broadcaster?hopefully it will be as good as we have like in uae

Double weekend matches will also bring huge crowd on both venues, but there will also be some cost associated with it. Let's see how they are going to schedule next PSL matches.

 

[Rathore]

good to know really cant wait for all PSL to come in Pakistan. why not add multan it has better stadium than lahore n karachi one.

 

[saeed5646]

Double weekend matches will also bring huge crowd on both venues, but there will also be some cost associated with it. Let's see how they are going to schedule next PSL matches.

yeah agree 4 day out of 7 full house will bring good revenue specailly in pak due to local sponsors

 

[shokz1408]

Double weekend means 8 matches. 2 each on Thursday and Friday in UAE, while 2 each on Saturday and Sunday in Pakistan.

Two production teams, two set of umpires, and two set of commentators as well. One working in Pakistan, while the other working in UAE.

Just like the 2015 worldcup matches, split matches between Australia and Newzeland.

But the current format had each team playing each other several times, I guess this means they will have 2 groups, one playing in Pakistan and one in UAE. I would have preferred them to do the whole first half of PSL in UAE, and the second half in Pakistan.

 

[Gubol123]

if and when it happens, it will be the best thing that happens to PSL. PSL popularity and actual value will be known by fifth or sixth edition (that is after one or two editions being fully played in Pak). That will allow PCB to extract the best out of the tournament.. Best of luck to PCB and Pak fans

 

[mmkextreme_1]

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi on Friday said the cricketing body had gotten the go-ahead to hold half of all matches in the next Pakistan Super League (PSL) series in Karachi and Lahore.

Speaking to reporters at Karachi's National Stadium, Sethi said: "In the fourth PSL series, we want double-weekend matches," explaining that on Thursday and Friday, matches would be held in the United Arab Emirates, whereas teams would play in Pakistan on Saturday and Sunday.

He said it was not possible for Pakistan to host any more foreign teams this year after the March 25 PSL final in Karachi as all the national team's scheduled matches and series would be held abroad.

"The PSL final is happening in Karachi. After that, we have the West Indies series. After that, we have no more space. We're going abroad to play, but along with this we are trying to find a window in August or September to play five to seven matches with the West Indies and Bangladesh in Houston and Florida. But that hasn't been finalised as yet," he added.

"We are exploring [our options] but we don't have space for a foreign team to visit. There are some teams that are ready [to play in Pakistan]. I won't name them, but they have said they are ready so we will plan for next year. We want a top-level team, and not just three to four matches but a whole series."

The time is not right as yet, he said, explaining that stadiums must be prepared beforehand and nationwide security has to be top class before it can happen. He said that stadiums will also be built in Islamabad and Peshawar.

"We are hopeful there will be more PSL in Pakistan," he added.

Sethi said he was looking forward to the final. "One of the teams [Islamabad United] won the first championship, the other [Peshawar Zalmi], the second championship. Let's see who wins the third round," he said. "Whoever wins, it will ultimately be a win for Pakistan."

https://www.dawn.com/news/1397067/half-of-all-psl4-matches-to-be-held-in-pakistan-sethi

Is it me, or does anyone else think he sounds like Trump there lol

Jokes aside, this would be a massive step up. If they can successfully stage this, then I think we will see more and more teams starting to tour Pakistan. Now logistically I don't know how they would do this.

-Can they shut down major parts of a city for that amount of time? I hope they devise a plan that would make all parties happy.
-Can't keep foreign players locked up in a hotel room for that amount of time. They need entertainment as well.

 

[barah_admi]

This is the most encouraging piece of news for me. I really want to see a full 5 ODI, 3 Test, 3 T20I series being played in Pakistan.

I'd rather 3ODIS, 1T20 and 4 tests tbh, or heck, even go back to 5 tests. Yes i know financially it can be an issue.

Anyway, it is very good news to see plans for the future. What exactly is Pakistan's schedule? Is it just England? Because Pak's only prep will be a tonne of t20 cricket and they won't be able to perform like they did in 2016.

 

[Savak]

Must support Najam Sethi in his efforts to bring Cricket back to Pakistan and for taking long term steps to help Pakistan Cricket commercially and cricket wise in the long run. Much better than the jokers Zaka Ashraf, Ijaz Butt

 

[MMHS]

Why half in that stinky place? If half the tournament can be shifted to PAK, whole can be shifted as well.

The idea is very good for Weekend games. 6 teams, 30 games, should be over in 5 weeks (35-38 days). If required, they can arrange 3 games in Saturday/Sunday without over stressing players. It's like 10AM, 1PM & 6PM start in same venue. In MLB, they play 162 games in 180 days, with frequent air travel in night. May be, they can use 2 more venues (Multan & Faisalabad - both has International Airport and accommodation).

Only the last 4 games, may be scheduled like WED, THU, FRI, SUN - may be 1st 3 in one city & last one in another.

There is absolutely no reason not to host PSL in PAK next year.

 

[sshakir411]

Must support Najam Sethi in his efforts to bring Cricket back to Pakistan and for taking long term steps to help Pakistan Cricket commercially and cricket wise in the long run. Much better than the jokers Zaka Ashraf, Ijaz Butt

The Butt and Zaka era really set us back a decade!

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

He won’t be there in the office. So how can he make such a bold claim?

 

[Savak]

Why half in that stinky place? If half the tournament can be shifted to PAK, whole can be shifted as well.

The idea is very good for Weekend games. 6 teams, 30 games, should be over in 5 weeks (35-38 days). If required, they can arrange 3 games in Saturday/Sunday without over stressing players. It's like 10AM, 1PM & 6PM start in same venue. In MLB, they play 162 games in 180 days, with frequent air travel in night. May be, they can use 2 more venues (Multan & Faisalabad - both has International Airport and accommodation).

Only the last 4 games, may be scheduled like WED, THU, FRI, SUN - may be 1st 3 in one city & last one in another.

There is absolutely no reason not to host PSL in PAK next year.

Probably wants to proceed gradually and build confidence gradually as well

 

[Savak]

He won’t be there in the office. So how can he make such a bold claim?

He deserves to be there. He should be there for the next 10 plus years for the sake of Pakistan Cricket, the good work he has done must not go to waste and be undone.

 

[pkckt]

Well a chunk of one of our major cities goes to lockdown and is really not any advantage for the poor local people (which is the majority). If half of the PSL is shifted to Pak and the security protocol is about the same then we could have poor locals going on strike

 

[Hasan123]

Good news. Need to get the PSL shifted to Pakistan asap.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

But you know how the politics works in Pakistan.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

I'd rather 3ODIS, 1T20 and 4 tests tbh, or heck, even go back to 5 tests. Yes i know financially it can be an issue.

Anyway, it is very good news to see plans for the future. What exactly is Pakistan's schedule? Is it just England? Because Pak's only prep will be a tonne of t20 cricket and they won't be able to perform like they did in 2016.

We play a test against Ireland too before the England series

 

[Jabo]

they said this rubbish last time too

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Double weekend idea will be too costly,but all in all a good idea.The only other issue is the lockdown of the areas closest to the stadium.

 

[MMHS]

Probably wants to proceed gradually and build confidence gradually as well

Indeed and that’s the correct approach. Though I am not sure how they are going to manage Friday night Flight for 150+ team members, media people and production (broadcasting) team. May be this one is a bit shallow trick (to win hearts & applaude for ground breaking thought).

I am just disgusted with cricket in UAE - no environment, no culture, no passion, and the wicket is rubbish. These people hardly watched Razzak’s hundred as 90% of them left after Afridi slogged his way out, which tells almost everything about cricket in UAE. On top of that, it’s a hunted place - PAK will loose more players if PCB doesn’t take their cricket out of UAE.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Indeed and that’s the correct approach. Though I am not sure how they are going to manage Friday night Flight for 150+ team members, media people and production (broadcasting) team. May be this one is a bit shallow trick (to win hearts & applaude for ground breaking thought).

I am just disgusted with cricket in UAE - no environment, no culture, no passion, and the wicket is rubbish. These people hardly watched Razzak’s hundred as 90% of them left after Afridi slogged his way out, which tells almost everything about cricket in UAE. On top of that, it’s a hunted place - PAK will loose more players if PCB doesn’t take their cricket out of UAE.

Since the attack on the Lankan team, Pakistan has found a home in the UAE. It's the closest venue to Pakistan and many fans from Pakistan and Europe have attended games. Of course it will never fill up but we should appreciate the home given to us by UAE.

Its good to hear more matches will be played in Pakistan but it will only make sense if the teams have their own home grounds. Playing in only Lahore and Karachi wont help the home fans of those teams which are not from these cities.

 

[barah_admi]

We play a test against Ireland too before the England series

Still not great prep. I assume they go from Ireland to England, have a warm up game (hopefully) and straight into tests. Last time out, they had an army training camp, arrived really early and got used to conditions. Playing however many months of LO cricket and then coming over to play a side this early (remember, Pak are playing in the early part of the English summer) where the ball swings, its colder, wetter, cloudier.

I'd rather they had scheduled enough time for yet another army fitness camp, test against Ireland, and plenty of time to get used to conditions in England.

 

[Abdullah719]

Still not great prep. I assume they go from Ireland to England, have a warm up game (hopefully) and straight into tests. Last time out, they had an army training camp, arrived really early and got used to conditions. Playing however many months of LO cricket and then coming over to play a side this early (remember, Pak are playing in the early part of the English summer) where the ball swings, its colder, wetter, cloudier.

I'd rather they had scheduled enough time for yet another army fitness camp, test against Ireland, and plenty of time to get used to conditions in England.

There's three warm-up games before the England Tests. http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...an-tour-of-England-2018&p=9520663#post9520663

 

[moghul]

In my opinion, they need to renovate Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan stadiums too and give each team a home venue. Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Multan can easily play their home games in Pakistan, while Quetta and Peshawar can have their home games in the UAE.

Karachi - National Stadium, Karachi
Lahore - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Islamabad - Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Multan - Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan
Quetta - Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Peshawar - Dubai Sports City, Dubai

This will mean 10 games in the UAE and 20 games in Pakistan for the group stage.

Then they should hold the qualifier and first eliminator game in a city that does not have a franchise, like Faisalabad? Eliminator 2 in Lahore. Finals in Karachi.

Makes sense, good suggestion.

 

[moghul]

If IK won, Sethi will be gone, but life goes on and so does PSL, hopefully he will replaced by a capable person. Sethi deserves lots of credit and appreciation though, no question about that.

 

[badsha001]

If IK won, Sethi will be gone, but life goes on and so does PSL, hopefully he will replaced by a capable person. Sethi deserves lots of credit and appreciation though, no question about that.

I wouldn't be surprised if Imran Khan keep him anyways since he is done the good job with PSL but his portfolio might be restricted to PSL only and Imran Khan choose someone else for PCB chairman position...

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

Some big claims from Sethi Sahab. He has a good track record imo in regards to bringing cricket to pak but this might be too ambitious.

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

Didn’t he say the same thing last year? Let’s wait and see what happens if it does happen then it will Ben a great step for Pakistan cricket and PSL..

No he did not say that last year.

 

[barah_admi]

There's three warm-up games before the England Tests. http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...an-tour-of-England-2018&p=9520663#post9520663

OK that is pretty good. Although the County sides that turn up will be like 4th team material, if the rain stays away Pak will have a better understanding of late spring, early summer in England and the movement of the ball.

 

[GullyCricketFlop]

It will be a big step,but good overall.Better than playing in those dead stadiums.

 

[bujhee kom]

Best of luck to the PSL.

 

[Executioner]

For cricket its a great initiative but one must understand the expenditure and the issue with public arising from lockdown of local cities

 

[MMHS]

Since the attack on the Lankan team, Pakistan has found a home in the UAE. It's the closest venue to Pakistan and many fans from Pakistan and Europe have attended games. Of course it will never fill up but we should appreciate the home given to us by UAE.

Its good to hear more matches will be played in Pakistan but it will only make sense if the teams have their own home grounds. Playing in only Lahore and Karachi wont help the home fans of those teams which are not from these cities.

To be honest, PCB wanted to find UAE as the ONLY home venue - and it's definitely not the closest one either.

Leaving aside India for obvious reasons, SRL & BD would have been far better venue that UAE, closer as well. PAK doesn't play that many home game - may be 4/5 Tests and 10-12 LO in a year at max; lower in most years - that number could have been easily managed in the 10-12 International venues of SRL-BD. And, combined SRL-BD, it actually expands PCB's season for whole year. Now that there is BPL, therefore BCB might not agree to host PSL, but SLCB can do easily; while PAK National team is extremely popular in BD & SRL as well. In terms of expenses, it's much lower.


On top of that, odd LO series could have been arranged in UK or Canada, even SAF or ZIM.

 

[MMHS]

In my opinion, they need to renovate Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan stadiums too and give each team a home venue. Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Multan can easily play their home games in Pakistan, while Quetta and Peshawar can have their home games in the UAE.

Karachi - National Stadium, Karachi
Lahore - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Islamabad - Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Multan - Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan
Quetta - Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Peshawar - Dubai Sports City, Dubai

This will mean 10 games in the UAE and 20 games in Pakistan for the group stage.

Then they should hold the qualifier and first eliminator game in a city that does not have a franchise, like Faisalabad? Eliminator 2 in Lahore. Finals in Karachi.

Cost will be unmanageable, logistical nightmare as well.

Imagine, the amount of body/equipment movements between UAE & PAK. It can be managed for the economy size of NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL or Champions/Europa League; but not for PSL. Even in USA, they have Conference and divisions, therefore for example say Toronto plays most games with Boston & NY; while Huston plays most games with San Antonio, Dallas ...... while Toronto makes just one or 2 roard trip to west - 10-12 games over 2 weeks on "road".

Unless, you make it like QG & PZ play their 5 X 2 games at one go in UAE then whole lot shifts to PAK, it's almost impossible logistically and financially a blow out. But, that'll make a funny table with QG & PZ playing 6 games each and other 4, 2 each. after 10 games of 30.

Only possible solution (in case of PSL in PAK) I see is 6 teams, 30 games - 4 venues : Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad.

3 teams based in Karachi, 3 in Lahore - 6 games in 3 days at Multan, 6 in Faisalabad - with all 6 teams play 2 each in both cities. Secure the best 2 hotels in Multan & F'bad for 5 days each - secure the City for 4 days each; bring all players with chartered jet from Karachi & Lahore on Thursday - and fly back on Sunday night. Rest schedule can be shared between Lahore & Karachi.

That's probably the best solution, but I am not aware of the actual situation, to be honest. Entire PSL in 2 venues will over stress the grounds/wickets (and the city it self - PAK's top 2 city can't live for 5 weeks in a war like situation).

But, it needs to be brought in PAK (and shifted out of UAE) - those 2 days in Lahore was the biggest success of PSL and biggest strength as well - engagement of the fans; rest are insignificant. Quality or competitiveness is in the mind - it won't save PSL in the long run.

 

[Markhor]

You don't know what you have until its gone.

I grew up watching our home internationals on ARY or on one of the crappy UK Asian channels with an ad per over, but that was my childhood - watching those tense day-night ODI chases with Inzamam and co in front of a packed house at Rawalpindi, Lahore or Karachi.

I feel envious watching every team have home advantage apart from us. The UAE is a dire, depressing place to play and with all due respect, the sooner we're out of there the better.

Kudos to the PCB for making it happen, but we need to quit with the baby series and start hosting proper tours, not just a few T20s.

 

[coy0607]

excellent initiative, hope he can execute on it

this should also help weed out the players who aren't willing to come to Pakistan

would be good to add another city or two soon, especially because weather generally isn't the best tin Lahore at this time

 

[USofA]

Cost will be unmanageable, logistical nightmare as well.

Imagine, the amount of body/equipment movements between UAE & PAK. It can be managed for the economy size of NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL or Champions/Europa League; but not for PSL. Even in USA, they have Conference and divisions, therefore for example say Toronto plays most games with Boston & NY; while Huston plays most games with San Antonio, Dallas ...... while Toronto makes just one or 2 roard trip to west - 10-12 games over 2 weeks on "road".

Unless, you make it like QG & PZ play their 5 X 2 games at one go in UAE then whole lot shifts to PAK, it's almost impossible logistically and financially a blow out. But, that'll make a funny table with QG & PZ playing 6 games each and other 4, 2 each. after 10 games of 30.

Only possible solution (in case of PSL in PAK) I see is 6 teams, 30 games - 4 venues : Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad.

3 teams based in Karachi, 3 in Lahore - 6 games in 3 days at Multan, 6 in Faisalabad - with all 6 teams play 2 each in both cities. Secure the best 2 hotels in Multan & F'bad for 5 days each - secure the City for 4 days each; bring all players with chartered jet from Karachi & Lahore on Thursday - and fly back on Sunday night. Rest schedule can be shared between Lahore & Karachi.

That's probably the best solution, but I am not aware of the actual situation, to be honest. Entire PSL in 2 venues will over stress the grounds/wickets (and the city it self - PAK's top 2 city can't live for 5 weeks in a war like situation).

But, it needs to be brought in PAK (and shifted out of UAE) - those 2 days in Lahore was the biggest success of PSL and biggest strength as well - engagement of the fans; rest are insignificant. Quality or competitiveness is in the mind - it won't save PSL in the long run.

Not at all. It's done in leagues all over the world. Just take the IPL next door. There are 8 teams all have their home grounds and play 7 home games each season and travel for 7 games. All these teams cris cross the country to different cities.

Everything is coordinated and works well and games happen at the scheduled time. So this is nothing new or nothing that cannot be achieved with some planning, coordination and $$.

 

[MMHS]

Not at all. It's done in leagues all over the world. Just take the IPL next door. There are 8 teams all have their home grounds and play 7 home games each season and travel for 7 games. All these teams cris cross the country to different cities.

Everything is coordinated and works well and games happen at the scheduled time. So this is nothing new or nothing that cannot be achieved with some planning, coordination and $$.

I am not talking about home & away - I am talking about home & UAE. Read my post carefully, I actually explained the situation. There is a difference between Mumbai travelling to Kolkata then Bangalore and KK travelling to Dubai, back home then again Dubai.

 

[USofA]

I am not talking about home & away - I am talking about home & UAE. Read my post carefully, I actually explained the situation. There is a difference between Mumbai travelling to Kolkata then Bangalore and KK travelling to Dubai, back home then again Dubai.

Travel time from Karachi to Dubai is less than Delhi to Chennai or Kolkata to Bangalore.

 

[Deewana]

Don't know and don't care much about Lahore but in Karachi cricket can eventually come back when Rafi Cricket Stadium(in Bahria town) planned to be opened in 2020 is completed, Those who live in Karachi will know that Bahria town is constructed away from main city(in motorway) but Bahria town has it's own security and everything so when the stadium is up and running teams can come and stay in Bahria town(which i am sure is planned by Malik Riaz, my cousin works in BT he told me that this was the plan), and while the teams stay in BT the main city won't be disturbed as its 25 km away from main city but people can travel their to watch matches and the planned capacity is 50k.

 

[GrandMaster]

I did mention this in one of the thread last year. It is possible to hold all the matches in Pakistan including all the foreign players if,

1. Matches are held every 2-3 days or may be only on weekends so that players get enough time to rest and practice before each match.
2. Matches are held in more cities (depending on what franchisees prefer, just like home-away matches in other leagues).
3. Arrangement for international players to be air lifted (from hotel to stadium and stadium to hotel back). This is quite an important point in bringing back cricket in Pakistan.

 

[PakLFC]

Should play some matches in Peshawar as well. That great city also seems to be much safer now as well. To convince international Cricketers need to have matches all over the country. By next year insha Allah a good government should be in place even if it's a caretaker one. It's looking good.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Don't know and don't care much about Lahore but in Karachi cricket can eventually come back when Rafi Cricket Stadium(in Bahria town) planned to be opened in 2020 is completed, Those who live in Karachi will know that Bahria town is constructed away from main city(in motorway) but Bahria town has it's own security and everything so when the stadium is up and running teams can come and stay in Bahria town(which i am sure is planned by Malik Riaz, my cousin works in BT he told me that this was the plan), and while the teams stay in BT the main city won't be disturbed as its 25 km away from main city but people can travel their to watch matches and the planned capacity is 50k.

A much nicer stay for the players too. Rafi will become the flagship stadium.

 

[Kroll]

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) Chairman, Najam Sethi have said that the big stadiums’ conditions would be improved in order to revive international cricket in the country.

Talking to PTV, he said the budget was being prepared for improving Peshawar and Rawalpindi stadiums’ condition.

“Efforts were being made for the full functioning of Lahore and Karachi stadiums so that domestic and international cricket could be held in a congenial environment,” he added.

To a question about organizing PSL final in Karachi, he said the Sindh government, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies had ensured the provision of foolproof security in that regard.

He said the credit goes to the entire nation for successfully holding of PSL matches in the country.

Sethi said West Indies team would come to Pakistan for playing series, adding that the people of ‘city of lights’ (Karachi), would witness the revival of international cricket.

Expressing dismay over the misreporting of some media organizations, he urged them to play a constructive role so that international matches could be organized in Pakistan with a full success.

To another question, he said all necessary measures would be taken to make stadiums of Peshawar, Quetta, Sindh and other cities functional.

Sethi while expressing optimism said the cricket lovers could also watch and enjoy domestic cricket on television channels as well.

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/20...oved-for-revival-of-intl-cricket-in-pakistan/