Pakistan expresses gratitude to the Emirates Cricket Board and Abu Dhabi Government for the successful staging of the Pakistan Super League

By K.R. Nayar

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani hails the efforts that went into ensuring the successful completion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium after the event had to be halted in Pakistan due to the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Multan Sultan produced a stupendous comeback show to win the PSL title

 

Multan Sultans team celebrate their victory with the PSL trophy at the Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium

UAE has once again ensured that a high-profile cricketing event is held successfully and completed in this country.  The sixth edition of the PSL had to stopped after 14 matches were held in Pakistan due to the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium staged the remaining 20 matches and saw Multan Sultan emerge as the champions.

At the end of the event, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Ehsan Mani said: “I want to express my gratitude towards the entire PCB staff, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Emirates Cricket Board and the Abu Dhabi Government. We worked together as an effective team and collectively overcame unexpected challenges and surprises to ensure that the tournament was completed without any further hassles.”

Ehsan Mani, the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman

Abu Dhabi Cricket had also staged the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League and the Afghanistan-Zimbabwe series by ensuring strict Covid-19 protocols. The venue is now gearing up to stage some of the 31 remaining matches of the 2021 IPL since the event too had also to be halted in India due to extensive spread of Covid-19.  Abu Dhabi Zayed cricket stadium will not only be one of the venues for the IPL matches but also one of the Twenty20 World Cup venues along with Dubai International Stadium, Sharjah cricket stadium, and the Oman Cricket Academy ground from October 17.

Although the PSL was held in front of empty stands following the UAE government instructions and policies with regards conducting sporting events during Covid-19, the contests were of the highest standards. The event witnessed a tremendous comeback by the Multan Sultans team who were in the fifth position after the Karachi leg to down 2017 champions Peshawar Zalmi by 47 runs and lift the trophy.

A joyous  Multan Sultans team after their comeback show to win the title 

Sohaib Maqsood, who had made his One Day International debut from the Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium, hogged the limelight by top scoring for Multan with an unbeaten 65 to bag the Player of the final, the Player of the tournament, and best batsman of the tournament awards. Twenty-two-year-old right arm pacer Shahnawaz Dahani from the Multan team bagged  the best bowler and best emerging cricketer of the tournament trophies, while Multan skipper Mohammad Rizwan won the the best wicketkeeper of the tournament award and was named as the captain of the HBL PSL Team of 2021.

Ehsan Mani, who believes that fans are a must for the success of any sporting event, said: “Fans are the essence and spirit of any sport. Without them, no event can be completely successful. The presence of fans was missed by the PCB, players and all commercial partners, but the remaining 20 matches in Abu Dhabi were staged in unusual times and difficult circumstances. I assure the passionate Pakistan cricket supporters that the next edition of HBL Pakistan Super League in 2022 will be staged in Pakistan and in front of our people. Planning for next year’s event will start as early as July.”

Mani expressed his delight over fans closely following all the matches in Abu Dhabi. “I am delighted that despite being unable to attend the matches in Abu Dhabi, fans and supporters continued to wholeheartedly back, encourage and appreciate the event, players, and their favourite teams, which resulted in increased eyeballs and impressive digital numbers.”

Mani also thanked all those who were involved in planning the Abu Dhabi leg towards success. “I also want to thank all team owners who backed us during the planning stages of the Abu Dhabi-leg matches. I acknowledge they had to make last-minute changes to their sides, which disturbed their combinations and balance; but we all knew and clearly understood and accepted the significance and importance of completing the tournament in June.”

Hailing the champions, Mani said: “In Multan Sultans, we had a new champion and a well-deserved one. They peaked at the right time and once again demonstrated the value and important of collective efforts in a team sport. Lastly, through our decisive actions and the successful delivery of HBL PSL 6, we have once again demonstrated that the HBL PSL is PCB’s marquee event and PCB will not only protect its integrity but will continue to work to enhance its profile and credibility.”