LAHORE
Peshawar Zalmi’s foreign players are already loving the cricket fever that has gripped the entire Pakistani nation ahead of the grand finale.
West Indian all-rounder Marlon Samuels and English fast bowler Chris Jordan shared their excitement over the return of cricket to Pakistan.
‘Today is even more important for Pakistan than World Cup’
Zalmi owner JavedAfridisays finale is even more important for the nation than the Cricket World Cup.
“Cricket is coming home tonight. It’s a huge day for Pakistan. It’s even more exciting than the World Cup. Everyone’s supporting PSL, it’s such a great feeling,” JavedAfridi remarked.
“Congrats everyone, we have overcome all challenges to hold this final and it’s a big achievement for us that our foreign players are here in Lahore to play the final!” he added.
‘So happy to see joy on people’s faces’
Marlon Samuels believes his native West Indies and Pakistan are similar when it comes to cricket spirit.
“This is a big deal for a cricket-loving nation. We can see how important it is for people here that cricket has returned to Pakistan, it’s awesome to see the joy on the people’s faces. That’s why we are here,” Samuels said.
Samuels said the ultimate winner will be Pakistan cricket.
“Pakistan cricket is gonna win. Nevertheless, ” he added with a wink and a deadpan expression.
‘Feeling very welcomed’
Chris Jordan, already overwhelmed with the great welcome he and his team have received in Lahore, said it is very special for Peshawar to be in the final.
It’s a very special occasion for the team to be in the finale. It will be a tough game but we have gelled in very well as a side and we have great momentum,” he enthused.
Security experts from ICC, 4 cricket boards in Lahore for PSL final
LAHORE: The much-awaited final of the Pakistan Super League in Lahore has also provided Pakistan Cricket Board an opportunity to showcase security arrangements to representatives of different cricket boards and the International Cricket Council.
Reliable sources have confirmed to Media that security managers of at least four cricket boards, along with an ICC security expert, are in Lahore to witness the PSL final and the security arrangements being made by the PCB for the final.
Among them, RegDickason – who earlier advised FICA on security matters ahead of PSL – is also present. He is representing ECB, along with Julian Siebrand.
Security expert from Bangladesh, Major AKM AnisudDowla is also present at the final of PSL to oversee the security arrangements. AnisudDowla also arrived after the PCB’s invitation to BCB to play a series in Pakistan in November this year.
Security head of Cricket Australia Sean Carroll, along with Sri Lanka’s SarathchandraLiyanage is also present at the PSL final.
The source further confirmed that the ICC’s security manager Sean Norris is also visiting Lahore to see the security arrangements made by the Pakistan government and PCB for the final.
