KARACHI: The first Pakistan Super League (PSL) qualifier is scheduled to be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday evening, said the country’s cricket regulatory body, as clashes between the police and former prime minister Imran Khan’s supporters continued in the city which previously forced the players to cancel their practice sessions.
The conflict between the two sides broke out in Lahore on Tuesday after the police and Rangers went to arrest Khan from his residence following a local court’s decision to issue his non-bailable arrest warrant in a case involving the sale of state gifts during his tenure in power.
Today’s match will take place between the top two tournament teams – Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans – and is expected to grab the attention of millions of viewers across the world.
“The #HBLPSL8 Qualifier in Lahore today will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium as scheduled,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a Tweet.
A PCB spokesperson also confirmed to Arab News the playoff match would be held today.
On Tuesday, the top cricket board official, Najam Sethi, appealed to the caretaker Punjab chief minister to provide adequate security to all the teams during the playoffs.
“This is Pakistan’s finest showcase,” he wrote in a Twitter post while mentioning the massive tournament viewership. “Punjab govt must ensure failsafe security & smooth traffic flow to facilitate peoples access to stadium.”
The winner of today’s contest will go straight into the final, while the loser will get another chance and play against the team that prevails in the first eliminator between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United.
Qalandars boast of a balanced side and have won both their matches against the Sultans during the championship. This is likely to provide psychological advantage to Shaheen Shah Afridi and his other team members.
Skipper Mohammad Rizwan has also been leading the Sultans from the front. So far, he has been the most impactful batter who has scored 483 runs in the tournament.
Other Multan players to watch in today’s match include Rilee Rossouw, a PSL8 centurion, Abbas Afridi, who has so far grabbed 22 wickets, and the new bowling sensation, Ihsanullah.
