Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Tuesday said the responsibility of ensuring a successful final of Pakistan Super League (PSL) lies with fans, media and security organisations alike.

"Decision to hold PSL final in Lahore is massive and I am really looking forward to it," the all-rounder said.

Afridi, who recently announced his retirement from International Cricket, expressed his desire to play his last match at the headquarters of the Pakistan Cricket Board.

He had reportedly been in touch with PCB for a farewell match but the matter did not materialise.

While commenting on the criticism done by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan, Afridi said he "is not at same stage [as] Imran Khan" and in his opinion since the decision has been taken now "we all must contribute to the success of the PSL final".

Earlier, Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan had fiercely criticised the decision.

Recording his reaction in an interview to a television channel, he asked what message a game held amid closed roads and strictest security arrangements would convey to the world.

The government on its part looked unperturbed by the opposition, with a battery of ministers and spokespersons condemning the PTI chief and implicitly anyone who agreed with him on the issue.

Afridi said his team, Peshawar Zalmi, was focused on winning a play-off against Quetta and securing a place in the final.

Meanwhile, owner of Peshawar Zalmi Javed Afridi expressed his faith in his team to take part in the up-coming final.

"If we are able to win the PSL [final], the team of Peshawar Zalmi will go to Peshawar and celebrate with children of Army Public School," he said.

The Punjab government announced on Monday that the PSL final will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore after weeks of speculation regarding the venue.

Opinion

Editorial

Border clashes
19 May, 2024

Border clashes

THE Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier has witnessed another series of flare-ups, this time in the Kurram tribal district...
Penalising the dutiful
19 May, 2024

Penalising the dutiful

DOES the government feel no remorse in burdening honest citizens with the cost of its own ineptitude? With the ...
Students in Kyrgyzstan
Updated 19 May, 2024

Students in Kyrgyzstan

The govt ought to take a direct approach comprising convincing communication with the students and Kyrgyz authorities.
Ominous demands
Updated 18 May, 2024

Ominous demands

The federal government needs to boost its revenues to reduce future borrowing and pay back its existing debt.
Property leaks
18 May, 2024

Property leaks

THE leaked Dubai property data reported on by media organisations around the world earlier this week seems to have...
Heat warnings
18 May, 2024

Heat warnings

STARTING next week, the country must brace for brutal heatwaves. The NDMA warns of severe conditions with...