Cricket fever has peaked in Islamabad and Karachi ahead of Pakistan Super League (PSL) and big screens have been installed in various parts of the two cities for live telecast of the event to be held today (Sunday) amid tight security arrangements. The stage is set for PSL final between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi at National Stadium Karachi, after both the teams won the match at PSL semi final at Gadaffi stadium in Lahore.
A senior Sindh police official told Business Recorder that over 8,500 security personnel including police, Rangers and personnel of other law enforcement agencies have been deployed around the stadium and different parts of the city. "Rangers will be responsible for inside security and police as well as other law enforcement agencies will secure the playground from outside," he said, adding that police have prepared a special traffic plan to ensure smooth flow of traffic.
In the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, different food outlets as well as National Press Club have installed big screens for people to watch PSL final match. Some restaurants have also offered special PSL meal-deals. A group of youngsters supporting Islamabad United while talking to Business Recorder said that they are very excited about the PSL final and want to watch it on the big screen.
They said that government must take extraordinary security measures to restore the confidence off foreign players in Pakistan Riaz Ahmad, a cricket fan, said that he has installed multimedia projector for the match at his house and has invited some friends and relatives to watch the match with him. Attah ur Rehman, another diehard cricket fan, said that he is confident Peshawar Zalmi's will win against Islamabad United in PSL final and he, along with his friends, have begun preparations for fireworks if his favourite team wins.
Mehreen Jabbar, a dedicated cricket fan, said unlike Islamabad United, Zalmi's journey to the final has been full of struggle. "From almost getting disqualified in the group stage, they have somehow managed to limp, crawl and drag themselves into the final. They don't have the lineup United does, nor do they have similar dominating performances backing them but I am rooting for them," she added.
According to an official, tickets for the final match in Karachi were sold out in different price categories including Rs 1000 and Rs 12,000 on a first-come first-serve basis. Foreign cricketers including JP Duminy, Steven Finn, Chadwick Walton, Samuel Badree, Samit Patel and in-form opener Luke Ronchi and Darren Sammy will play in the final match.
APP adds: Foolproof security arrangements have been made in connection with Pakistan Super League (PSL) final to be held at National Stadium, Karachi on Sunday, said Commandant Special Security Unit (SSU) Maqsood Ahmed at a media briefing on Saturday at SSU Headquarters in Karachi. He said that SSU has prepared a comprehensive security plan for the PSL final. The plan was developed in consultation with all stakeholders, including Pakistan Rangers-Sindh, Zonal DIGs and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He added that SP SSU
Ghulam Murtaza Tabassum will perform duty as Chief Security Officer of the teams. Giving details, Maqsood Ahmed said that thousands of police personnel, including more than 800 SSU commandos besides personnel from other law enforcement agencies will perform their duties at National Stadium, Karachi Airport, routes, parking lots, hotels and other areas while sharp shooters will also be deployed in different places.
The details of the officials to be deployed included SSP/SP-32; DSP-95; INSP/SI/ASI-1051; HC/PC/Commandos-6323; Lady staff-603 and Mounted Police-28 while Zone-wise break-up of police personnel deployment will be: East-4051; South-1209; West-530; SSU and other Police Units-2342. SSU is providing motorcade and security cover at Karachi Airport, route and hotels. The Commandant further said that well-equipped Commandos, including lady Commandos will remain alert at SSU Headquarters as quick response force to challenge any emergency situation.
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