KARACHI: Karachi is right now the hub of sports in the country with major events being held one after another or simultaneously.
The Under 23 World Squash Championship has just concluded, Pakistan Super League starts today and 35th National Games are set to be held in May, in which around 10,000 athletes in 31 disciplines demonstrate their skills and talent at 21 different venues.
Five PSL will be played at National Stadium, where world renowned cricketers showcase their talent and skills under floodlights. From David Warner’s fiery aggression on the cricket field to the sounds of some cracking shots echoing through the squash courts, and Arshad Nadeem sending the javelin soaring into the sky, there will be scenes and moments worth watching again and again.
The city is often associated with distorted infrastructure and lack of basic civic facilities. However, contrary to that perception, Karachi will play host to not one but three sporting events, each from a different pedigree.
And, yes, it’s all happening in just two months, a rare occasion in the last two decades as far as the city’s sporting history is concerned. It has to be mentioned that National Games are being organised here after a gap of 18 years.
From April 12 to 21, the city’s National Bank Stadium will be home to a dazzling mix of national and international cricketers. But among all the star players, the one to watch out for is the Australian great David Warner. The swashbuckling opener will also be captaining the Kings after they removed Shan Masood, resting their hope on Warner to revive their fortunes. For Karachiites, his exquisite drives, his darting runs on the field, and his burning aggression will surely be a sight to behold.