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Thursday March 28, 2024

PSL final in Lahore Imran thinks it’s madness

By our correspondents
February 28, 2017

Rana Sana describes PTI chief’s arguments as insane; Marriyum says he is ‘Bal Thackeray of Pakistan’

LAHORE: Reacting to the decision to hold the PSL final in Lahore on Sunday, PTI Chairman Imran Khan termed it madness.

"God forbid, if any blast takes place in Lahore, there would be no cricket in Pakistan in the next 10 years," Imran said in a television interview. "This is madness considering the situation here" he said, referring to the series of bomb blasts which rocked Pakistan.

"What's the point of holding the PSL final in Lahore? It is not even an international match," he said. "In my view, it is a terrible idea. We want to hold this match by calling in army. The roads will be blocked and there will be security. This will not send a good message," he said.

On the other hand, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah rebuked Imran, stating Imran’s arguments represented madness and foolishness.

He said it was a unanimous decision by the Pakistani nation to hold the final in Lahore. “The stadium will be packed with fans. People will come in great numbers not only from Lahore, but also other cities of Pakistan,” he predicted.

Minister oF State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb termed Imran ‘Bal Thackeray of Pakistan’ and asked him to withdraw his statement.

Similarly, Senator Mushahidullah Khan said, “This is a cowardly stance. If we continue to get blackmailed by terrorists, we will never be able to host any major event in our country.”

He said Imran must have been fed by someone to come up with such a bizarre reaction regarding the PSL final. “The whole nation, government and armed forces are fully united on this issue,” he said.

Meanwhile, legendary cricketer Miandad fully backed Imran’s stance. "I have been saying this for the last three days that there is no need to hold the final in Lahore owing to security situation," he said.

"This would be a great setback to Pakistan's cricket if anything happened during the final," he added. But former Test cricketers Sikander Bakht and Ramiz Raja hailed decision.

"Circumstances are not good across the world. Unfortunately, we faced bad situation more often, but we are to fight terrorists. We have to send out a message that these terrorists can't defeat us," Sikander said.

“This is a strong message,” said Raja, adding, "It is good. This is a strong message and it should be backed by involving fans." When asked whether people would be able to watch the final as only five days are left and tickets yet to be sold, Raja said, "People will swarm the stadium if spirited efforts were made."