Murad terms holding of HBL PSL matches in Karachi great success

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that in 2017 the PCB was not ready to give any HBL PSL match to Karachi and the now whole event is being held in Pakistan which is a great success of people of Pakistan who defeated terrorism.

This he said while talking to media just after visiting National Stadium to review the arrangements of HBL PSL matches starting from February 20. He was accompanied by Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Shah, Advisor to CM Murtaza Wahab and Special Assistant to CM on Sports Bangul Khan Maher.

He said that the law & order has been restored in the city and now Karachi is a peaceful city where all activities, including sports, literary, music and educational are thriving. 'We all will make Karachi a seat of learning and cradle of peace," he said.

Shah recalled that in 2017 he had requested the PCB to give at least one match to the city but they regretted and now situation has improved to such an extent that eight matches are being held in the city. "This is the success of our people," he said.

To a question, the chief minister said that in 2018 the condition of the National Stadium was poor, therefore his government renovated and repaired the stadium and made it a beautiful place to enjoy matches. "The national stadium is one of the biggest stadium in the world but its capacity is now falling short than the public requirement, therefore we will talk to PCB to enhance its sitting capacity," he said.

Niaz Stadium: The chief minister expressed his displeasure that he could not manage to hold PSL match at Niaz Stadium as he had promised last year. 'Actually, the condition of Niaz Stadium is quite critical and it needs major overhauling and renovation," he said and added due to financial constraints we could not undertake the repair work. He said he would soon revive Niaz Stadium for next matches. Revival of Hockey: To another question, Murad Shah said that not only Cricket but he was making efforts to revive hockey. "Today, I met with Chairman Pakistan Hockey Federation Brigadier Mohammad Khalid Khokhar (retd) and discussed to organize Hockey League in October or November 2020.

He said that he has made some commitment for the Hockey League and his government would cooperate with the hockey federation.

Kabaddi: To a question, Mr Shah congratulated the nation on winning Kabaddi World Cup. "We have won the cup [from India) and I am sure there would not be its repercussions," he hoped. He applauded the kabaddi players and said that they must be honoured for.

Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah visited National Stadium, reviewed security arrangements and visited command and control center.

The chief minister was briefed about security arrangements by DG Rangers Major General Omer Bukhari. The chief minister thanked Pakistan Rangers, Sindh Police, Divisional and District administration for making best arrangement.