HBL PSL 2020 matches: PCB salutes fans' contribution for positive image of Pakistan

Hailing the contribution of Rawalpindi and Islamabad fans, local and provincial administrations and the security agencies in making HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 a resounding success in its homecoming edition, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Monday said the cricket fans' contribution has not only motivated and inspired the players to produce their best performances, but has also helped Pakistan to showcase its values, culture and passion.

Over 100,000 spectators witnessed the HBL Pakistan Super League matches at the 17,000-capacity Pindi Cricket Stadium. This is after approximately 80,000 fans had watched live action at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Crowd response in Lahore and Karachi has been equally overwhelming. In Lahore, to date, the average crowd attendances have remained at around 80 per cent, while the first four matches in Karachi have seen attendances breaking the 90 per cent barrier.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer said: "We owe a big thanks to the cricket fans and followers of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad who turned up in big numbers to play their part in the success of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020. There have been games in which weather has not been cricket-friendly, but the fans have remained patient and loyal, which is another hallmark of this great nation."

Thanking the local and provincial authorities, Salman Naseer said: "On behalf of the PCB, I also want to appreciate the support of the local administration, provincial governments and security agencies. Without their cooperation, the PCB would not have been able to put together a spectacle of this magnitude. The PCB is very fortunate to have strong relationships with all the government agencies and this is clearly reflected in the successful holding of the biggest cricket tournament in the history of Pakistan."

On the other hand, foreign cricket players soak in electrifying HBL PSL atmosphere across Pakistan; as all six participating teams have assembled mega stars of the game from around the world and with the league heading towards its business end; these players have expressed their joy at how enjoyable their stints have been with their respective sides.

Sultan's all-rounder England's ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 winner Moeen Ali has felt the excitement and buzz of the HBL PSL especially in his side's hometown Multan, Moeen feels that Multan deserves to host more HBL PSL games next season:

Moeen Ali said: "The atmosphere in Multan on all game days was unbelievable. You could clearly sense the passion the people have for their team and the game. We were particularly moved by the hospitality, love and support offered by the people of Multan who took ownership of the team and we are grateful to them for their incredible hospitality."

Second placed Zalmi have had a mixed run in the tournament so far, however the team continues to ride on a popularity wave across the country and have received frenzied support in Karachi, Multan, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

English batsman Liam Livingstone who wore the Karachi Kings shirt in the HBL PSL 2019 is looking forward to the challenge of the all-to-play-for last week of the group stage under makeshift captain Wahab Riaz.

Liam Livingstone said: "Last few weeks have been crucial and it feels like we are gaining momentum at the right end of the tournament. You want to peak towards the end of the tournament, not at the start. So far, Wahab has been very good and it is a seamless transition from Daren Sammy (as captain). Wahab is a very relaxed character who has total confidence in his skill so he can lead from the front."

Currently placed third on the table, Islamabad United have an uphill qualification task as they have just one group game left (vs Kings, 14 March). A win might not be enough for them to ensure progress as they might have to rely on other results.

Steyn also praised the untiring efforts of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ground staff who put relentless efforts to get the games underway at the venue despite a heavy rain laden last week.

Dale Steyn said: "I've really enjoyed being back. The people have been so welcoming, I can just see it in their faces that they've missed having teams come play cricket here and are so excited by the presence of all the overseas players. The ground staff in Pindi was exceptional, getting us on the park with all this rain and allowing the fans to enjoy some cricket has been world-class."

Hales is the top run-getter so far with Kings with a tally of 239 runs at 59.75, with the help of two half-centuries. The big-hitting right-hander has enjoyed his batting stints with both Babar and Sharjeel.

Alex Hales said: "Having those two at the top of the order is a real strength of ours. The right-hand left-hand combo is very useful and they're both completely different players and hit the ball in different areas, which can be difficult for bowlers to adjust their plans every other delivery. We can't wait to get back to Karachi, the support we had there are the start of the tournament was absolutely fantastic. Hopefully it's three more sold out crowds and they can give us that extra edge over our opposition."

Lahore Qalandars have come alive with back-to-back wins against Gladiators and Kings which have propelled them to the fifth spot.

Batsman Ben Dunk has smashed sixes at will and has been the most important reason for Qalandars' turn around in the competition with contributions of 99 not out and 93 in two out of the three Qalandars' victories; his 23 sixes are so far the most by any batsman in the HBL PSL 2020. Dunk has become a superstar in Lahore, the left-handed Australian big-hitter is humbled by the love and adulation he has received in his side's hometown.

Ben Dunk said: "The crowd at the Gaddafi Stadium has been absolutely fantastic. With the tournament becoming even more exciting, the support for the teams in fact the whole event has grown manifolds with spectators getting even more impassioned about the game. The spectators at the GSL have convinced me that at least in Lahore there is just one team to play for, I am really looking forward to the rest of the event as we will give it our absolute all to ensure qualification in the play-offs especially since two of the play-off games are in Lahore including the final. Qalandars in the final will make for an unbelievable atmosphere."