PSL in Lahore

The Pakistan Super League has been a rare breath of fresh air in the staleness of Pakistan cricket. The first season of the T20 League, even though it was held in the UAE, captured the imagination of the viewing public and the second iteration has been no different. This time around, the final is meant to be played in Lahore but the recent resurgence of terror has cast a doubt on whether cricket can return home. PSL Chairman Najam Sethi is still adamant that the final will be held in Lahore and foreign players – about half of whom are believed to be amenable to playing in Pakistan – could be offered inducements to play. Everyone in Pakistan, starting with Army Chief Qamar Bajwa and his offer of full security, has been eager to do anything possible to turn this into a reality. A final in Lahore would be a rare opportunity for joy and a chance to put our worries behind us, even if only for a day. Cricket is the one unifying agent in the country. Hosting the final in Lahore would show not just the world but also us that there is more to Pakistan than seemingly unceasing terrorism.

The PSL is essential for the long-term health of Pakistan cricket. We need it to compete with the likes of India and Australia, who have many years of progress on us with their long-running IPL and Big Bash League, in the most popular format of the game. The PSL will ideally lead to the modernisation of cricket in Pakistan, not just by bringing in more money but through the professionalism of the coaches and data analysts being brought in. If the PCB and the government feel ready to stage a match in Lahore then it should go ahead; the country will be grateful for an opportunity to see our heroes in such a high-profile final. Still, a word of caution should be sounded but no hasty decision should be made which could set back the eventual return of Pakistan as an international venue. Past experience, such as the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009, has shown that militants can strike against cricketers. This is why, if the final does go ahead in Lahore, security will have to be foolproof. The slightest slip-up can set back the cause of bringing cricket back to Pakistan permanently. The PSL is a celebration of all that is good about Pakistan and the government has to ensure nothing rains on our parade.