Mani looks forward to full PSL in Pakistan next year

Curtains fall on successful PSL-4By Our correspondentKARACHI: A quarter of a million spectators witnessed the final phase of HBL Pakistan Super League at the National Stadium as curtains fell on season 4 with a simple ceremony on Sunday.The ceremony was kept at a low note as spectators, players and officials observed a one-minute silence for all those who lost their lives in heinous attacks on the mosques on Friday in Christchurch in New Zealand.The first 26 matches of the season were played in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah in the UAE, while the last eight matches were held in Karachi.The newly-renovated National Stadium reverberated with songs and chants from the spectators during the week-long spectacle, declared as “the week of cricket festival” by the Sindh government. The closing ceremony had light music with famous folk singer Abrar-ul-Haq, Junoon, Fawad Khan and Sahir Ali Bagga performing.Ehsan Mani, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman welcomed the packed crowd of over 32,000 fans.“We are ready for the final,” said Mani. “Around 250,000 people have watched the matches in the stadium in the last week and millions on television. “One should remember that its cricket which brings happiness.Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani on Sunday reiterated Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent announcement that next year’s entire PSL season will take place in Pakistan.Mani told a packed National Stadium ahead of the final of PSL 4 featuring Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators that “we look forward to welcome you back with all the PSL matches in Pakistan.”Speaking at the closing ceremony of the PSL, Mani hailed Karachi’s fans saying that their support for the final phase of the season was extra-ordinary.“We should always remember that cricket is the one game that brings happiness and light in life and this lesson shouldn't be forgotten,” he said.“The biggest reward should be given to the people of Karachi, the way you people have supported and embraced PSL 4 here in your city. The love and support was extraordinary.“Finally, I would like to say that all overseas players, officials and technical support teams, you have seen yourself the passion and love for cricket in Pakistan. Next year we look forward to welcome you back with all the PSL matches in Pakistan.” “We thank the government of Pakistan, our armed forces and government of Sindh for helping us stage these matches.”Mani thanked all the 39 foreign players who visited Karachi for the final leg of the tournament, saying: “I would like to thank all the foreign players and officials. You have seen for yourself the passion of people here and we hope to see you for all the HBL PSL matches in Pakistan next year.”Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, also vowed to bring international cricket back in Pakistan after the successful staging of the PSL finals for two years.“Two years ago, I promised that we will bring the PSL matches to Karachi,” said Shah. “Last year, we hosted the final and this year we staged eight matches here.

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