LAHORE: Former Pakis­tan cricket captains Zaheer Abbas and Intikhab Alam on Thursday said the final of PSL will portray a soft image of the country, besides sending a positive message to the world that Pakistan is safe to host major cricket events.

“It is going to be a big cricket event after past so many years and its successful holding will help in improving Pakistan’s image among all cricket playing countries across the globe,” said Zaheer.

Zaheer said PSL final will also help in restoring Pakistan’s image at the highest forum of International Cricket Council, sending a positive message that security situation is improving here.

“It is not just a final of a cricket league, it is also going to be a decisive moment and collective efforts are needed to make it a big success,” said Zaheer.

He said Pakistan Cricket Board and PSL authorities have put in serious and hectic efforts to see that the PSL final is being played on our homeland.

“The response of the Federal and Punjab governments is tremendous as they are extending all out cooperation to make this event a success,” he said.

“Punjab Chief Minis­ter Shahbaz Sharif is personally taking interest for the peaceful conduct of the mega event.”

Intikhab endorsed Zaheer’s views and said: “PSL final will forge national unity, bringing closer the people of the country who want resumption of international cricket since 2009.”

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2017