SHARJAH: The Pakistan Super League is supposed to be the best thing that has happened to Pakistan cricket. This is the third edition of the tournament and is bigger than the first two years with the addition of a sixth franchise. But the biggest headache for the organisers has been the thin attendance.
Matches played in Dubai have been disappointing crowd-wise, but in Sharjah it has been relatively better. The location of the venues has also played it part as the Dubai International Stadium is far from the city centre while the Sharjah Cricket Stadium is easily reachable.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has been successful in making the PSL a brand, but now is the time to bring cricket home. The problem of low crowd attendance at the matches will be solved automatically.
It is learnt that the PCB is planning to hold a big chunk of the PSL 4 matches in Pakistan next year. A source said the board has also given approval for renovation of a couple of venues in the country, including the Pindi Stadium.
“God-willing, international cricket is returning to Pakistan soon. The coming three PSL matches and the three-match Twenty20 International series against the West Indies next month in Lahore and Karachi are just the start,” the source said. “The next step for them is to take action to other stations.”
Holding of last year’s PSL final and the T20 series against the World XI in Lahore were considered successful in all respects. International teams have been staying away because of security concerns, but the security arrangements for those games proved to the world that Pakistan is as safe a place to visit and play cricket as any other country.
“The security cover which Pakistan provides to the foreign players is of the highest standard,” he said.“Hopefully, international action will return to Pakistan soon.”
from The News International - Sports http://ift.tt/2ItaeED
