Majority of Quetta Gladiators overseas contingent opts out of PSL final in Lahore

A majority of the Quetta Gladiators overseas contingent has opted out of the Pakistan Super League final to be played in Lahore later this week. After defeating the Peshawar Zalmi in the playoffs, the Gladiators moved into the final. However, with a massive security threat looming each week with the odd bomb attack, it is quite understandable that some of the players are not ready to take the risk.

At the moment, the England players in the form of Kevin Pietersen, Tymal Mills, and Luke Wright have confirmed that they would be missing the final in the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. However, Rilee Rossouw is reportedly weighing his options whether or not to go. The cash incentives for overseas players traveling to Pakistan is reportedly between USD 10,000 and USD 50,000 which will be a one-off payment for the players to travel. However, despite this, Luke Wright released a statement stating that he would not be traveling.

Wright, the England all-rounder, tweeted: “It’s with a heavy heart I will not be coming to Lahore. I have a young family and for me a game of cricket is just not worth the risk. I’m sorry as I know how much it means to you all and hopefully in the future the safety will not be in doubt to come play there.”

While Wright spoke with a heavy heart, it was Tymal Mills who was clear in his conscience about not boarding the flight to Lahore. “What is the difference in me playing in Lahore under a security threat and a Pakistani player doing so?” he said. “In any attack both are at risk. And physios and masseuses? A life is a life, mine or a Pakistani player’s.”

Also read – PSL 2017, 1st Qualifying Final Review: Quetta Gladiators topple Peshawar Zalmi to enter finals after last ball thriller in run fest