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PCB's credibility has 'hit new level' after PSL success: Ehsan Mani
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani on Monday said that the recent staging of eight Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Karachi is a sign that "PCB's credibility has hit a new level" and the board is now "taken seriously at an international level".
The PCB head made the remarks during a press conference in Lahore a day after the Quetta Gladiators trounced Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL 2019 final held at National Stadium Karachi.
"The biggest endorsement was that 39 to 40 foreign players came to Pakistan," said Mani. "Add support staff to it and the number reaches 150 people. Our credibility — and ICC CEO David Richardson also [corroborated] this — in the international world has reached a new level. Now when we say something, we are taken seriously and believed."
Read more: ICC chief: Perception of Pakistan being a dangerous country has changed 'slowly but surely'
"The most impressive bit was how the Karachi crowd supported us. Some 200,000 came to watch these matches, and from what I believe, 150 million saw the matches on TV.
"This was a remarkable endorsement of PSL. Due to the geo-political situation, it was important that we demonstrated that Pakistan is capable of holding such an event.
"There was a suggestion that we should hold only five matches in Karachi but I rejected it. Our commitment was to hold all matches in Pakistan. And the credit goes to the local administration for mobilising their resources on just a few days' notice. Everyone supported us and no one said that this would be too much as this was a matter of national pride."
Mani said that the incident in New Zealand proves that terrorism is not just a Pakistani problem but a global menace. He also offered to share PCB's expertise on the subject.
"We had a dilemma due to the unfortunate New Zealand incident," he said. "People forget that we are also the victims of terrorism. Now the world knows what challenges are there. Pakistan's problems are not different to anyone else's.
"It doesn't mean we should gloat. We will work with them and share our experiences but cricket should not stop. If cricket stops due to terrorism then it's a victory for the terrorists. Players' safety is of course important and cannot be risked but the game must go on too."
"What we did was invite some security experts of other countries so they can themselves see how we organise PSL. Unfortunately, the New Zealand incident happened but it also gave them an incentive to observe how we, as victims of terrorism, are handling this."
The PCB chairman said that the opening ceremony of the final was "toned down" keeping in mind the New Zealand incident. "We acknowledged the incident, observed a minute's silence, released pigeons and cut out dancing. All the songs too were iconic Pakistani songs."
Mani also appreciated Islamabad United's gesture of keeping the spirit of cricket alive. "In this sport, the spirit of cricket is of prime importance," he said. "One demonstration of this was done by Islamabad United. The Spirit of Cricket trophy they received, they dedicated it to Asif Ali, whose daughter is battling cancer."
Comments (42) Closed
Hats off to all the international players. A lot of these guys such as the Windies players have said their heroes growing up were Wasim and Imran Khan. They love cricket.
Pakistan Super League was the best thing to happen in a long time. Who needs to play India? Supporters can go to their local stadiums and cheer on their teams.
Well done PCB.
Thanks to najam sethi and PML n. We all remember how everyone opposed the idea of holding PSL in Pakistan out of fear that if somehing happens than it will be all over. But NS took strong stance and held PSL in Pakistan in 2017 & 18 and with success that irked IK quite a lot that he issued deregoratory remarks for PSL. But hats off to PMLn didnt say a word this time. More power to PMLn. First brought peace to Karachi
Do it yourself, if nobody else is !!!! praising and proclaiming greatness.
You should be thankful to Najam Sethi for all the hard work done !!
All credit goes to Mr. Najam Sethi.
All this said because people don’t read international news
Thanks to Najam Sethi
Fake it till u make it!!!!
@Rajesh, Better than the self-praise and greatness professed by Indian TV channels on everything.
You will get noticed and acknowledged when you do thngs right and accept the ground reality. I attended on Friday and had a wonderful experience in spite of all the security steps one has to go through, reason is that they were done in an effective but courteous manner.
May this time it is long lasting...
@Ali Sabir, Ask PCB if they are ok with it.
We must not forget the efforts of Najam Sethi who was the master mind behind launching of PSL Thank You Najam Sethi for your initiative and efforts.
Sir You have not mentioned about 2.2 million dollars paid today to BCCI for a case PCB sued BCCI for. Another high ..
Lets not forget Najam Sethi and his teams efforts.
@Islamabad Morning, Najam Sethi deserves credit. The only thing pmln did was give him a free hand.
@Islamabad Morning, Your statement accepted with grace because it is true.
Agreed "Players' safety is of course important and cannot be risked but the game must go on too."
Take PSL international with 3-4 games in UK, SA, and Dubai. Rest should be in Pakistan.
Congratulations to Pakistan for holding yet another successful event! And I agree with statement that terror should not be allowed to win. Game must go on AND we the people as well!!
@Texan, how about logistics???
Let's hope that next season will be profitable for franchises as well, which is a must in the long run for survival, although IPL , despite financial a big success, has failed to lift the poor performance of Indian team in T20 cricket-the future of the game!
Whatever level PCB reach, 1st pay/ reimbursement of legal expenses , they only you are eligible for play.
I would say well done PCB and owners and management of the clubs who convinced all their stars that Pakistan is safe for them.
Look like PSL become big success then pcb should not looking for cricket ties with bcci ..!!
No statement for Bcci andindian players
So, is England or Australia ready to visit?
No sir Mani this is not your efforts Mani+Wasim Khan both are dual citizen, taking Rs.22 lacs in pound sterling, there this is no your efforts, Najam sethi deserve compliments, This Govt should give job to local not dual citizen, we have Mohsin, Javed, Majid, Abdul Qadir, Zahir, they are right for these jobs, for chairman and CEO, due to Mani+Wasim Khan Pakistan lost 2 jobs.
thanks to Najam Sethi.
@Rajesh, smell of burns coming from losers.
@Yawar Khan UAE, it's easy to give an opinion sitting behind the keyboard. Where did he actually take credit any way or ask for it? You may fancy Nawaz and his stooges, but there is time and space for everything. Ehsan Mani has himself credited Najam Sethi and he was requested to attend the final, if you have read news.
@Rajesh, are you from Pakistan? You are from?
Well done PSL.
@Nadeem Yousuf, still INDIA plays home games at home not in Dubai
Thanks Najam Sethi Sb
Blowing own trumpet. First Sheryar Khan , then Najam Setthi and now Mani !
Good Luck!
Well done folks, yet Pakistan has to go miles and more miles.
It is nice to see you guys happy. It is an achievement, no doubt. The next steps will be heavier and the real test of this achievement.
Let us see what comes out it!
@Rajesh, look at you all jealous. Cant be happy with anything coming from Pakistan, can you.
@Islamabad Morning,
Good to see some one here appreciating the right people..
@Rajesh . Losers like you and will be never always follow one path. Distruction, it is coming to get you. Sooner or later.
I heard the press conference and am glad Ehsan Mani answered a question from a reporter about Najam Sethi's involvement with the PSL. As Ehsan Mani said starting PSL was a collective or team effort and not an individuals effort. I think at this point Najam Sethi should not make any negative comments about PSL 4. PSL 4 was a success and 8 matches were played in Pakistan. Entire Pakistan should be proud of this remarkable achievement.
@Islamabad Morning, Fortunately NS and his crooks are no longer in power.
Great news.