PSL 2018: Karachi to host the final; PCB awaits the security clearance

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided that the final of the third edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) which will commence on Feb 22. National Stadium in Karachi will host the title clash while the second and third playoff matches will be played in Lahore. PCB is keen on bringing the international cricket back to the country and trying all things possible in their hands. However, the board is awaiting the security clearance which is expected to come by the end of this week.

Pakistan successfully organised the final of PSL in Lahore last year, the game which was played by few overseas players. Though their efforts worked wonders when the World XI team visited the country for a series of three T20Is and then even Sri Lanka played a solitary T20 International at Gaddafi Stadium. Both the events attracted a lot of cricket fans and took place without any unfortunate incidents as the security arrangements for the matches were impeccable.

FICA to guide the players

A two-member security delegation will visit the National Stadium in Karachi on Sunday to witness a full dress rehearsal after which the decision is expected to be taken by the team regarding the final. Karachi is yet to host an international game since 2009 when Pakistan and Sri Lanka played a Test match. The Federation of International Cricketers Association (FICA) is preparing a security report in order to help the players decide whether to travel Pakistan during the tournament for the playoffs.

The Chief Executive of FICA Tony Irish refused to comment anything on the matter currently and cleared that it is completely the decision of the players whether they want to travel Pakistan or not. “To play or not to play in the T20 league is the players’ decision. We don’t have any control over that. However, we provide the information from which they can make the best decision. So we are currently in the process of preparing the report for the final in Karachi,” he was quoted as saying by ‘Express’ newspaper.

All the league matches including the first playoff of the PSL will be played in the United Arab Emirates after which the teams will move to Pakistan to conclude the tournament.

Keep following CricTracker for news and updates.