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Dubai-based Innovative Production Group will take over the broadcast production of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final, set to take place in Lahore, after UK-based production house Sunset and Vine pulled out of the event due to its reluctance to travel to Lahore, ESPNcricinfo reported on Tuesday.
Sunset and Vine, which has handled the broadcasting of the PSL event so far this year, notified Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) management in the previous week about its intentions of not covering the Lahore event.
The PCB had already decided on Innovative Production Group in case Sunset and Vine showed reluctance on broadcasting the final in Lahore.
Know more: Punjab okays move to hold PSL final on home soil
Firms that were hired to facilitate hawk-eye technology and spider-cam have also decided to not partake in the event.
The final will be broadcast without the use of such technology with there being a strong likelihood of a drone camera being used instead of the spider-cam.
Additionally, PSL is in the midst of replacing foreign commentators — including Danny Morrison, Alan Wilkins and Mel Jones — who have backed out from covering the final, while Ian Bishop’s contract is coming to an end.
The PSL management has also instructed all the teams to work on their own contingency plan in a scenario wherein their foreign players decide not to travel to Pakistan.
PCB Chairman Najam Sethi has assured the presence of foreign players in the final, noting that there is a backup list of players for a worst-case scenario.
Punjab government on Monday gave the go-ahead for the final to take place in Lahore following thorough consideration and evaluation of security conditions in the country following a series of bomb blasts in the preceding weeks.
As part of the preparations for the final, Gaddafi Stadium has been furnished with a media facility that can house up to 150 reporters.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (98) Closed
Feb 28, 2017 04:45pm
PCB should try South African broadcasting company Multichoice DStv . At least it can also telecast in SA and rest of African countries and Europe ....
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Feb 28, 2017 04:50pm
So the entire setup from broadcasting to technology to commentators have to be changed for d final. I cant even contemplate the cost. Height of stubbornness by PCB to satisfy their ego and host this one match.
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Feb 28, 2017 05:01pm
Quality of broadcast will suffer. Also, the ground and stands cannot match with the levels in UAE.
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Feb 28, 2017 05:02pm
It must be held in Pakistan common brothers and sisters ..unite and no negativity ..Pakistan's pride is important and above everyone,even if its just a cricket game ..Faith, unity and discipline
Among us will make it a success ... Let us believe and show everyone..... Inshallah we will rise...
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Feb 28, 2017 05:07pm
@Jumz - It's not about ego. It's about sending a message by the nation to the terrorists that we will not be frightened!
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Feb 28, 2017 05:09pm
Trying to bring back international cricket to Pakistan, with no international players. Irony irony so much irony.
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Feb 28, 2017 05:07pm
Let them go who ever wants..
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Feb 28, 2017 05:11pm
@Jumz is there any problem .. Its not pcb only ... its majority of Pakistanis who wants to do it ... we need to back this up rather playing politics in each and everything .. and the cost is nothing .. we can use our commentators ... we can help each other to work this event out
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Feb 28, 2017 05:12pm
Doesnt matter..... Final to still be played @ Lahore... Haters Gonna Hate....
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Feb 28, 2017 05:18pm
I agree with @Khan to try Multichoice
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Feb 28, 2017 05:18pm
Obviously people are scared for their lives in such security arrangement, is make for match day ..
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Feb 28, 2017 05:24pm
@Balaji your comment was as expected
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Feb 28, 2017 05:25pm
@GA: What message? This is a childish move by PCB to say the least. To play under extra-ordinary security means nothing since such arrangements cannot be provided in the long-term and are not sustainable. Rather than being childish about sending/not sending messages, the people in authority should take practical steps and address the real causes of terrorism with sincere effort across the country. Holding a final of a sports event under extra-ordinary security has no meaning, if the next day the terrorists are still able to function.
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Feb 28, 2017 05:26pm
not a big deal, there are too many competitors available to replace them, Indian broadcasters will line up!
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Feb 28, 2017 05:33pm
@Abc ofcourse what do you expect, its the nature of them wishing us bad always!
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Feb 28, 2017 05:33pm
With the current situation in mind, this is probably the worst decision the PCB has ever taken. God forbid, if there was an incident or even an attempt at it any chance of Pakistan hosting cricket in the near future would be gone. Why not just stick with the UAE for now, consolidate the PSL as an event in the cricketing calender and then hopefully bring the whole event home in a couple of years' time.
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Feb 28, 2017 05:32pm
I still suggest the same model for PSL as I had suggested before. We should keep the show on the road and keep arranging the league in different countries where there are enough of Pakistani communities residing. This will increase the interest of the local communities of those countries as well as it will add new flavour into the league. I am really tiered of watching empty stands in Pakistan.
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Feb 28, 2017 05:35pm
Decision has obviously more to do with pride than commerce - if I were in pcb shoes I would take the same decision. At the same I hope Pakistanis understand the concerns of ppl and companies who backed out.
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Feb 28, 2017 05:36pm
I have no doubt stadium will be full. Pakistanis are not staying home due to terrorist fear for sure.
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Feb 28, 2017 05:37pm
I hope this does not turn out to be a silly idea, cricket must resume in Pakistan but this was not the right time. PCB looks to be in a hurry. No need to rush it is not the world cup final for which they went crazy
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Feb 28, 2017 05:44pm
No problem. Plenty of other fish in the sea.
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Feb 28, 2017 05:49pm
Sad for cricket but I like the determination of Pakistani people in holding it. Come on guys make it a success.
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Feb 28, 2017 05:50pm
Without international partners, commentators and players this will be yet another domestic tournament.
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Feb 28, 2017 05:57pm
@Jumz why so much complain after all its all hard work to show the world that Pakistan is a safe country where any one form outside world can also visit anytime any where in Pakistan as a tourist.
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Feb 28, 2017 05:58pm
When out so called foreign partners stop boycotting Pakistan...Why these facilities provider back out instead of supporting when it is decided for event to take place in home ground?
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Feb 28, 2017 05:58pm
It is a good move by PCB and PML government to hold the finals in Pakistan.
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Feb 28, 2017 06:03pm
@Princess_of_DHUMP "No problem. Plenty of other fish in the sea." The sea was the same, as were the fish, before the start of the whole adventure.
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Feb 28, 2017 06:03pm
high cost high risk holding a match without foreigners. This will acheive nothing
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Feb 28, 2017 06:13pm
Pakistani people have suffered the most in this so called war on terror and they have every right to have their entertainment back, when Mumbai attack didn't stop ICC , 7/7 bombing in UK didn't stop cricket in England and other atrocities . We should not stop living in fear and live our life to the maximum potential. Our musicians going abroad, our artist going abroad even our Ulemma's are not safe in our country thanks to our neighbors that such hatred causing so much problem for Pakistan.
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Feb 28, 2017 06:11pm
Holding the PSL final is easier part but changing perceptions of foreigners about security in Pakistan is not so easy.
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Feb 28, 2017 06:23pm
@sHAHPUR - You think the threat of terrorism is only real in Pakistan? Do you know the 'extraordinary' security that goes into place when Western nations hold major events? Europeans stand tall in the face of it. Terrorism is a new normal unfortunately.
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Feb 28, 2017 06:26pm
Terrorism is in all parts the world . Did they have stopped their cultural ,
sports , or any any other events which they think will be in the interest of the
country so why should Pakistan .
It is a very wise decision and irrespective of any international player the
final should be held in Pakistan as our spectators deserve to see their hero
play infront of them and compete .
Syed Naseem Ahmed
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Feb 28, 2017 06:26pm
Wish i would go.... Lucky Lahoriees..
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Feb 28, 2017 06:31pm
Game should be for the people of Pakistan, period.
Rest can make their choices.
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Feb 28, 2017 06:41pm
@Jumz This is not about ego !!
Majority of Pak cricket fans are fully behind PCB. Indian propaganda and terror will never succeed in its pathetic aims.
Long live Pakistan
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Feb 28, 2017 06:50pm
PTV is the Best choice
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Feb 28, 2017 06:54pm
lets stand with PCB be positive and try to eliminate fear and bring people to pakistan
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Feb 28, 2017 06:54pm
So basically it jus becomes a regular domestic cricket game. Very poor planning by PCB
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Feb 28, 2017 06:56pm
I am an indian who is actually quiet excited to see the Gadaffi stadium Lahore, its gonna be interesting seeing the Gadaffi stadium packed with fans .
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Feb 28, 2017 06:56pm
@Jumz ....Sir this not ego or stubbornness...this what is called National Pride, just wait a little to see what new highs Pakistan will achieve in a few year from now Inshahallah.
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Feb 28, 2017 07:01pm
Pakistan supports the government decision to held the PSL final in Lahore.
International players or no international players, high tech broadcasting companies or no high tech broadcasting companies, it is the match between Terrorists and Pakistan.
Let see who wins this one!
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Feb 28, 2017 07:04pm
Those who did not want to travel to Pakistan for the final should never have been invited in the first place. Let them stay back and welcome the ones who want to join
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Feb 28, 2017 07:08pm
A very good decision by govt and PCB. All the matches of next psl should be held in Pakistan which will create economic activity, take out the youth from the streets into positive healthy activities and stadiums will get funds for upgradation. Foreign broadcasting companies pulling out of the event is a blessing in disguise which will give breathing space to local companies.
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Feb 28, 2017 07:31pm
This is an opporotunity for a Pak company to step up and show the world that we can carry out such big events at short notice, im not surprised that a UK company pulled out, they tend to follow a particular lobby. Good luck for the final which should be held in Lahore.
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Feb 28, 2017 07:33pm
@ga. What a logic?? We want to send "message" to the terrorists who have killed more than 70,000 of our citizens!!
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Feb 28, 2017 07:31pm
Message to Mulla Fazalullah is clear. "We will play cricket - while you kill our people".
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Feb 28, 2017 07:33pm
Mr Sethi what have you achieved bringing just one match in Lahore. No International broadcasters, No International Commentaters, No International cricketers BUT more than 50 thousands security personnel and less spectators. After 2014 Zimbabwe tour to Pakistan, did any international team come to Pakistan? NO..Did it prove thatw eare safe to play.NO. Will this one match give us a stamp of being a safe country for foreigners? NO. Then why all this hype.
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Feb 28, 2017 07:42pm
It like cooking chicken without salt
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Feb 28, 2017 07:39pm
@Abc its unity faith and Decipline atleast get that right and yes the order is important. As for the PSL nothing but a waste of money to hold one match in Pak considering it will not change the mind of int counties. And God for it even a cracker would deter int players from playing in the PSL.
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Feb 28, 2017 07:50pm
All this to hold one match which will not bring international cricket back to Pakistan. It will basically be like final of another domestic event, no foreign players, no foreign commentators. PCB should simply admit the fact that Pakistan is still not safe for foreign teams and drop the idea of hosting international matches. Nobody can be made to come and play, they have to decide on their own and come here. Govt should work on improving the security situation in the country instead of spending millions on holding one match. Forget about pride and accept reality, and move one. Finally I hope the match will happen without any incidents.
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Feb 28, 2017 08:03pm
PMLN feels this is a great opportunity to distract people from the Panama case. Hence they would do everything possible to have the game in Lahore. I wonder how much money they are going to waste on this saga while there's so much poverty in Pakistan.
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Feb 28, 2017 08:02pm
Terrorist goal has been achieved " Creating The FEAR "! and there presence is felt with Chaos !
No doubt , All the player and participants will with have some apprehension deep inside .
This is dilema situation , Any how the message is sent , that we are not bulging to any threat.
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Feb 28, 2017 08:28pm
Is any one even thinking of the Fans..How many tickets sold ?, how many passes distributed....HOW Many FANs expected ? it would be disastrous if the stands went empty
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Feb 28, 2017 08:31pm
A hasty decision to bring back international cricket. Without foreign players the final will end up being a club match. Foreign teams, foreign players will not come until you rid the country of terrorism. You cannot end terrorism as long as their is political support for sectarian biggies, lack of will and courage on the part of rulers. Military cannot run the country.
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Feb 28, 2017 08:30pm
There is no need of such a handicapped final. Please work on country security rather than spending so much on one cricket match.
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Feb 28, 2017 08:47pm
This will be a big test for PCB as well as the country as whole. Every citizen should take responsibility and keep their eyes and ears open for any suspicious activity. This is the only way we can beat the terrorist , specially when they are well trained/equiped.
Whole world wants to see how the event is completed successfully, more than the match results. We must show them, that when we are serious about doing something , we can do it.
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Feb 28, 2017 08:45pm
Hipocracy by Brits. They unite for terrorism in France. They should do their part in Pakistan too.... now it's upto Pakistan citizen to buy tickets and make it a houseful show.... best of luck from India
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Feb 28, 2017 08:53pm
@Khan like they will travel to lahore
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Feb 28, 2017 08:54pm
@Balaji not only about international players its about sending a message to our enemy that we will not be subjugated.
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Feb 28, 2017 09:08pm
This is the best decision by PCB. Please take all security measures and this is the time Pakistanis unite and face the challange. PCB already has won half the battle after this risk taking decision made.
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Feb 28, 2017 09:17pm
Holding final in Pakistan is a good decision. We can hold it in a peaceful manner. As far as tight security is concerned, every sensible country is taking such measures while holding such events and same do not reduce charm of such events.
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Feb 28, 2017 09:23pm
Well calculated risk..i like the attitude
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Feb 28, 2017 09:44pm
Without the high profile players and usual high tech live coverage, the event would lose its charm.
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Feb 28, 2017 09:59pm
Yet so far from reality!
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Feb 28, 2017 10:04pm
@Hasan -- At least some sensible voice in the wilderness!
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Feb 28, 2017 10:05pm
@Irfan -- Sethi sahib wants to make a political statement, albeit at a wrong time!
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Feb 28, 2017 10:14pm
PCB should through this company out from next PSL
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Feb 28, 2017 10:36pm
PPl who are commenting against the decision of PCB would have been complaining if PCB had decided not to hold the final in Lahore . So stop complaining security forces are doing what they can to improve the security situation in Pakistan . Military operations should be part of a comprehensive plan to remove extremism from society . Holding such events on home ground is a confidence building measure which is extremely important for cricket lover Nation !
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Feb 28, 2017 10:37pm
@Adeel , Pointing fingers at others won't clean the rot !!!
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Feb 28, 2017 10:37pm
Great decision by PSL. Best of luck PSL!!
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Feb 28, 2017 10:58pm
they have their choices... but we have our own goals... we will win
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Mar 01, 2017 12:59am
Bravo PCB...in-fact full of PSL should have been held in Pakistan with tight security to smash on the face of terror...If i were a player, i would have never backed up considering security is full capable of handling worse scenario...all international players are bit scary cats....
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Mar 01, 2017 01:27am
When any other country gets targeted by terrorism everyone else step up to support but when it comes to Pakistan everyone is running away which is totally unfair to the country who sacrificed the most in war against terrorism. It's time for all Pakistanis to stay united and show the world that we are strong nation and at the end we will win and our enemies will lose badly.
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Mar 01, 2017 01:49am
It appears that it will be biggest surprise event of century. Even the Captain will not know the playing 11 until before the toss. In fact no body will know who will come out as captain for the toss. Great Going so far.
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Mar 01, 2017 03:07am
@Dynamite :"Is any one even thinking of the Fans..How many tickets sold ?, how many passes distributed....HOW Many FANs expected ? it would be disastrous if the stands went empty"
In another Five to Six days you will read the Final News i.e. The Lahore PSL Final at the Gaddafi Stadium was an absolute SELL OUT. PCB Must do its best to stage it in Lahore or Karachi. After all it is "Nothing Ventured - Nothing Gained".
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Mar 01, 2017 03:09am
Good for Pakistan and Pakistani cricket!!
Best of luck brothers!!!
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Mar 01, 2017 04:04am
@Blue and other jobless Indians who are sucking up,,,I am sure you have a couple of online newspapers that you can provide your valuable advice to......So get off your commentary box and concentrate on domestic issues............
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Mar 01, 2017 04:37am
Looking forward to final in Pakistan - watching from London - Strong message by PCB!! please continue. its for the local public ( and can be a success with out foreign players).
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Mar 01, 2017 04:37am
@Syed dani ahmed - bring it to London!
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Mar 01, 2017 06:10am
PCB is under pressure to have at least foreign players play. Otherwise the purpose is lost. Good luck PCB.
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Mar 01, 2017 07:42am
@Syed Naseem Ahmed - the only difference between terrorism in Pakistan and other countries is you cannot recognize who is terrorist and who is not! There has to be constant search for these devils throughout days and nights. And they will become so frightened that they will start finding place to hide instead of performing their hideous act. Further, search them in the night when they find a place to hide. I have always stressed on providing night vision and ultra vision glasses to the security personnel so that they can carry out their task more easily. Spend more on quality education and keep the target of 100% literacy and see the change. Every bad thing will vanish and all the good things will emerge!
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Mar 01, 2017 07:43am
It's inspiring news! One step ahead! But...there are other sports as well. Does Pakistan have a sport minister? if yes - I would like to ask - do they know how many games are there in the Olympics? There is still time for Olympic. Can you make a list and start taking nominations? No international tennis player is from Pakistan. Sports, tourism, scientists, and actors - a country is well known by them on the international platform. There are Para-Olympic, Asian games etc. Make a list of the sports and the nominees. They may fail but let the world know that Pakistan has got talent irrespective of genders. Where is the Media? Anybody reading?
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Mar 01, 2017 08:53am
Bring some of the games of PSL to Saudi Arabia where a reasonable number of Pakistani and Asians are working and residing to introduce the game and earn more revenue via sponsorships. This venture will be very successful if Jeddah and Riyadh are used as venues.
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Mar 01, 2017 08:55am
@ga Last month England team visited my city for their ODI series against India. One day before the event , 30-40 British people were standing in queue just like me to buy tickets. No 5 layer security or any such of things . Just 6-7 police persons for managing crowd . On the match day, couple of sniffer dogs , bomb disposal squad from local police unit & few hundred police person enough for security of players & support staffs. And these police men are for crowd management . Not any military personal involves in cricket match security in India. This is how events are organized in normal environment .
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Mar 01, 2017 11:24am
Imran Khan was 100 percent right. This is madness by PCB. Pathetic decision
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Mar 01, 2017 12:06pm
@Blue .Happy journey.Are you coming back?
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Mar 01, 2017 12:16pm
@waheed For that you need to identify the enemy first.
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Mar 01, 2017 12:34pm
Pcb must think about it's decision it's not good that no foreign players play final for it's team
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Mar 01, 2017 01:06pm
@Jumz psl is going to where it belongs.. this is our cricket and our passion. The long term benefits outweigh the costs.
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Mar 01, 2017 01:48pm
@Shahid Malik
Please pardon me Sir, but that is not the correct stance. I am sure that these players are also as enthusiastic to come to Pakistan as we Indians are (some Indian may deny it, but deep down we also wish to come down & connect with common Pakistanis & see the beautiful country).
But, fear for life is of course a major deterrent.
If outsiders are made to feel safe in Pakistan, I am sure they would come..
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Mar 01, 2017 04:03pm
PCB must be congratulated for listening to vast majority of 200 Million Pakistanis against the threats of few terrorists. Element of fear completely goes away when you are in Pakistan.
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Mar 01, 2017 05:22pm
@SID Lets hope Pakistan get back to same environment as India today. Cricket belongs to all.
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Mar 01, 2017 07:42pm
So what is the backup plan?
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Mar 01, 2017 10:13pm
@Khan One Somalian company is better than the south African one.
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Mar 01, 2017 10:14pm
@Abc thanks brother
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Mar 02, 2017 01:23am
@opinion Qaddafi Stadium is SECOND TO NONE even better than the Stadi in Dubai
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Mar 03, 2017 05:29am
Next year perhaps many foreign players will not take part in PSL in Dubai as they are disappointed for shifting venue of final from Dubai.
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Mar 03, 2017 11:05am
What if PCB backs out now ? Do you think it will be good for Pakistan ? No, it will send a worst message to entire world that there is something really scary going on in Pakistan that even Pakistani people themselves backed out. International players or not but now this has become an issue of ego and pride. But not only for PCB but for whole Pakistani nation's ego and pride.
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