PML-N is in election mode, and understandably so. The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) final will now be held in Lahore. Not understandably so. But, PML-N is in election mode. Having deliberated long and hard over the matter, Punjab government has finally been convinced; Lahore is safe enough to host the mega event.
While the provincial governments motives may have a distant political rationale, what exactly is the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) thinking? This column is not one for bantering, but PSL Chairman is none other than the former caretaker CM of Punjab, Najam Sethi. He seems to be either serving his ego or the current government or both. There is little else that merits return of cricket to Pakistan at this stage.
The argument goes that having the final in Lahore will give clear cut message to the terrorists that Pakistan is a strong, vibrant, and resilient nation. Truly, Pakistan is all of that, but it should not come at the cost of this decision. A final in Lahore was still fathomable a couple of weeks ago, but the recent wave of terror should have been enough for the authorities to let go of their egos.
In all likelihood, the government with the help of security agencies will be able to successfully hold the event. Players are being promised security of the highest order. But even if some foreign players do turn up, in a highly unlikely scenario, what have we achieved? Will a PSL final in Lahore mean the return of cricket to Pakistan? Certainly not.
Even worse is the impact the decision could have on the PSL brand itself. There is little denying that the brand has earned a reputable name in a very short span, and the PCB deserves credit for the same. The likes of Blitz Advertising, who have media advertising rights of the tournament, have also put their fair share in the success of the tournament.
There are talks of selecting players from another pool, in case the players currently representing their respective franchises refuse to turn up. So essentially, there will be two teams, having fought it hard enough to make the finals, playing with an entirely different combination. Bear in mind, the foreign players who may be willing to come to Pakistan will surely be from second or third tiers in terms of their market value and quality.
Asking franchises, who have invested millions of dollars, to play the most important match with a different combination, and likely with players of relatively inferior quality, is unfair to say the least. What is worse is that it can go a long way to damage the PSL brand image, even if nothing untoward happens in terms of security. There is no league in the world that runs this way.
Dont forget this years edition has already been mired by spot-fixing controversy. The PCB has taken the right measures and damage is well under control. But the damage this decision could do is way beyond anyones imagination. PSL is currently well-respected in the global cricketing circle. It wont be, if decisions of this nature are taken and persisted with.
There is no denying that the PSL should be happening in Pakistan, for the economic benefit it will generate at home, is far greater than having it in the Emirates. But the time is not right, and it could potentially kill the future benefit of the brand the PSL has become right now. Not a surprise that two cricket icons of Pakistan, Imran Khan and Javed Miandad were quick to lament the decision. While Imrans might well have been politically motivated, Javeds thoughts should merit some attention too.
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