Spectators will return to cricket pitches in Pakistan for the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic began when the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League begins in the southern port city of Karachi on Saturday.
The government has allowed the Pakistan Cricket Board to accept the capacity of 20 per cent of fans inside the stadiums for the country ‘s Twenty20 premier league, maintaining proper social pace and making masks mandatory for spectators.
The decision meant that the National Stadium in Karachi will accommodate 7,500 fans and Gaddafi Lahore Stadium 5,500.
“Without a population there was no enjoyment,” said Sarfaraz Ahmed, keeper / keeper of Quetta Gladiators.
“The good news is that we will be playing in front of our own people after a long time. “
During the pandemic, the PCB won two international leagues – against Zimbabwe and South Africa – in empty stadiums as well as hosting more than 200 domestic cricket matches in biosecurity bubbles. .
The PCB is confident that it is now familiar with the implementation of its COVID-19 mods, with only one local player set out to break protocols during home game.
More than 120 players, 60 fans and about a dozen game officials will live in biosecure bubbles for the PSL tournament.
“COVID-19 and cricket can co-exist, as long as we follow the correct protocols,” said PCB chairman Ehsan Mani.
Mani has admitted that a large number of fans will be disappointed due to limited seats available in both Karachi and Lahore. However, the government will review the capacity of crowds at Gaddafi Karachi Stadium ahead of the playoffs and final in Lahore next month.
Karachi Kings defeated investors Lahore Qalandars in the finals in November after postponing the PSL playoffs due to COVID-19 in March last year. Just three months later, the defending champions will open the new season with a game against Quetta who won 2019.
The six-team event will also feature two-time champions Islamabad United, last year’s third-place finalist Multan Sultans and 2017 champions Peshawar Zalmi.
A number of Twenty20 top international cricketers will compete over a month-long tournament with Chris Gayle, Ben Dunk, Chris Lynn and the world’s top T20 player, Rashid Khan from Afghanistan.
Karachi will host the first 20 league games while Lahore will host the remaining 14 games, including the final on March 22nd.
Karachi will be among the favorites for the title with regular Pakistan T20 regular Imad Wasim leading the side. They have a very good opening set – Twenty20 Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and hard bat Sharjeel Khan. They have also got to know the bowler Mohammad Amir and Afghanistan award-winning Mohammad Nabi.
Lahore is in the top three in the world last year in twentieth place. Rashid may have to leave the side due to Afghanistan’s tour around Zimbabwe after playing in original matches, but Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf are attacking a quick pace with experienced Mohammad Hafeez providing the midfielder. their bat.
Islamabad United, led by ranger Shadab Khan, signed Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali. Hasan returned strongly on international cricket against South Africa after two years due to injuries.
Islamabad had a few stops when they lost Colin Munro, who was unable to travel to Pakistan from New Zealand due to COVID-19 restrictions, so he was replaced by Australian spinner Fawad Ahmed.
Quetta made the playoffs for the first time last year. On the sidelines is Australian cutter Ben Cutting, who could come in handy in the middle order with his clean hit alongside Tom Banton, England’s Twenty20 specialist opener.
Peshawar Zalmi will be led by fast bowler Wahab Riaz and has his two most experienced Twenty20 players in Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik. South Africa’s David Miller strengthened the batting line in the second half of the tournament, but tough young batsman Haider Ali and Ravi Bopara are experienced in England among their ranks.