KARACHI: When Pakistan’s globally-renowned Sufi Rock band Junoon took the stage at the National Stadium to play their ever-famous track ‘Jazba Junoon’, the scene was electrifying and the feeling nostalgic.

The rendition triggered the memories of days when the country used to host international cricket regularly and the song had become an integral part of the game’s celebrations.

Junoon’s captivating performance wrapped up Pakistan Super League’s impressive closing ceremony on Sunday that earlier saw fine renditions from other local sensations including Abrar-ul-Haq, Aima Baig, Fawad Khan and Young Desi.

Abrar injected the first dose of energy in jam-packed stands with his popular track ‘Nach Punjaban’. He was followed by young, upcoming singer Aima, who presented the latest version of Nazia Hassan’s ‘Disco Deeewane’.

Fawad and Young Desi added some more colour and joy to the memorable evening by rocking the stage with the latest PSL anthem ‘Khel Deewano Ka’.

A truly special moment of the ceremony arrived when former Spain and Barcelona centre-back Carles Puyol also came on stage to greet the fans. The 2010 World Cup star is in Pakistan to promote the World Soccer Stars event and received big cheers from the crowd.

“Thank you Pakistan for this amazing welcome,” said Puyol to the packed stadium. “I know people here love cricket, but they also love football.”

The ceremony started with Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani addressing the crowd. Mani congratulated the fans and thanked the authorities who were involved in organising the event and ensuring foolproof security.

“Today, for Pakistan and especially for Karachi, it is a historic day,” said Mani. “We should always remember that cricket is the sport that brings happiness to us as well as harmony and joy,” added the PCB chief.

“I would like to thank the chief minister Sindh, corps commander Karachi, IG Police Sindh, DG Rangers, home secretary Sindh, commissioner, deputy commissioner, Government of Pakistan and the Prime Minister for their tremendous support throughout in making these PSL matches truly memorable and incident free.”

Mani said a large number of audience was entertained by the PSL matches in Karachi and that it was a huge achievement for the country.

“Since the PSL is being hosted by Karachi, over 200,000 spectators have witnessed the games at the stadium and millions have viewed it on TV and digital platforms in and outside the country which is great to see,” he said.

Mani profusely thanked the 39 foreign cricketers who opted to visit Karachi for the eight PSL games following the UAE leg played last month.

Mani, who replaced Najam Sethi at the helm of the national cricket board, said the overseas cricketers, technical and support staff have witnessed the love for the game in Pakistan first hand.

He endorsed PM Imran Khan’s statement that the next edition of the franchise-based league will be fully hosted in Pakistan. “Next year we look forward to welcome you back with all the PSL matches in Pakistan,” said Mani.

The PCB chairman later presented special mementos to veteran cricket writer and analyst Qamar Ahmed and renowned commentator Chishty Mujahid for their tremendous services for cricket.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also vowed to bring international cricket back in Pakistan after the successful staging of the PSL finals for two consecutive years.

“Two years ago, I promised that we will bring the PSL matches to Karachi,” said the CM. “Last year, we hosted the final and this year we staged eight matches here.I thank all the foreign players for visiting Karachi and, in the end, I would say whoever wins the final, cricket will be the winner, people of Karachi will be the winner and Pakistan will be the winner,” he added.

Published in Dawn, March 18th, 2019