Sarfraz Nawaz hails Imran decision to hold all PSL-5 matches in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Former Test pacer Sarfraz Nawaz hailed Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision that directs Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to hold the entire Pakistan Super League (PSL) V in Pakistan.

Talking to The News from London on telephone, Sarfraz said he was delighted to hear that Prime Minister has directed the Board to hold entire PSL next season in Pakistan. “This is what the PSL is all about. The entire PSL in Pakistan would set to open new horizon for Pakistan cricket. I am delighted to know that Prime Minister is keen to see the entire PSL in Pakistan.”

Sarfraz said no one knows cricket better than that of Imran. “He is not only a self- made politician but a legendary cricketer who knows in and out of the game better than anyone else. Imran knows that the entire PSL in Pakistan would be totally different. It would raise the standard of the game of cricket to new heights.”

Sarfraz, who took 9 wickets for 86 runs in a Test match against Australia on this day 40 years ago, backed Imran in saying that playing in front of empty stadiums of UAE had served little purpose. “It is useless to play in empty stadiums. The best and talented players true worth come out in front of packed crowd.

Next year, the PSL would enter a new phase and that phase would be more attractive and better to that of any other leagues in the world. I am hopeful that from crowd prospective, the PSL Five if organized at home would be as attractive and crowd puller as any other major leagues around.”

Sarfraz said that PSL matches should be organized in maximum cities of the country. “Apart from Lahore and Karachi, the PSL matches should be organized in other major cities of the country including Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan. Likewise the options of organizing in Peshawar and other big cities should also be organized.” The Melbourne hero, however, was upset at the terrorists attack on mosques in New Zealand. What has happened in New Zealand has proved one thing and that such an incident could occur anywhere.

“The incident does not mean that from here on New Zealand should be deprived of hosting international matches. What required is a better securities for players, teams and officials whenever and wherever they play international cricket.” He hoped that ICC would ask for securities for teams and officials.