Credit for PSL final in Lahore goes to PM

ISLAMABAD: Despite heavy odds, the elaborate government wherewithal made it possible for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final to be played in Lahore after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took the decision to organize the event come what may.

It was a spectacle worth watching equally enjoyed by all and sundry except those with sullen faces for their tunnel view, prejudices and petty considerations. The credit for taking a rather risky plunge goes to the premier, who refused to be cowed down by the latest threat posed by the depleting species called terrorists to disrupt normal life in Pakistan. A series of suicide bombings struck Pakistan a couple of weeks before the PSL final.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa extended directly needed full support and maximum security in aid of civil power during his conversation with Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. He ensured that the troops are available for assistance.

So, it was a joint venture of the civil and military authorities to organize the event, rubbishing the terrorists’ threats. A week prior to the mega episode, the Punjab government kept devising its plans day and night to hold it in a peaceful and orderly manner.

After many years, people of Pakistan particularly Lahoriites tasted the thrill and excitement and got moments of joy and amusement provided by the PSL final. Especially the ecstasy, elation and frenzy of cricket enthusiasts were worth seeing.

Side by side the acclaim all key institutions deserve, the valour of the cricket fans and people at large was also commendable. They proved that they were not scared of terrorists. So, Pakistan won.

Many years ago, the international cricket said goodbye to Pakistan turning it into a pariah for this sports simply because of terrorists as foreign teams refused to come to Pakistan to play, creating massive embarrassment for the country.

Since then, it was not less than a shame that all the international matches that Pakistan played were held abroad. Even the second consecutive PSL was also organized in a foreign country. When it was announced that the PSL final will be held in Lahore, some political figures specifically Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, who himself is a former cricketing hero, came in open opposition to it. But a predominant majority of people and parties supported the decision.

However, Imran Khan’s most allied ally Sheikh Rashid went to Lahore to watch the final. Indeed, it was a laudable move. But he avoided taking exception to his ally’s action for not only staying away from the grand event but slamming the government for organizing it in Lahore when there are many security threats. However, the PTI chairman’s stand was disapproved by people at large.