KARACHI: Quetta Gladiators’ owner Nadeem Omar has urged the PCB to consider Quetta as one of the venues for Pakistan Super League season 4.

PCB chairman Najam Sethi announced on Sunday that Hyderabad, Rawalpindi and Peshawar could host matches of the next PSL and that the stadiums in those cities would be uplifted in time as the board intends to host half of the league in Pakistan next year.

“Quetta should be considered as one of the venues of for PSL season 4 because the people of Balochistan deserve to see the stars in action and it would create a massive positive impact on youth of Quetta and the whole province,” Nadeem said. “The pitch, outfield and the whole facility of Bugti Stadium is outstanding and all it needs is uplifting of the venue. I’m sure that stakeholders of Quetta which includes provincial government and Pakistan Army would be willing to help us out in this great initiative.

“Cricket is a binding force and has given the people of Balochistan a reason to smile thus having PSL matches in Quetta could leave a lasting impression.”

Nadeem added that he has been in talks with all the major stakeholders of the region and have got assurances from them time and again that if PSL matches are hosted in the city, all possible arrangements would be made.

Quetta Gladiators have been one of the best teams in the three seasons of PSL — ending up as runner-up twice and losing the eliminator this year.

“Quetta Gladiators have become a huge brand and we’ve played an important role in success of PSL by putting Quetta on the global map. People now recognise Quetta as the force and this is why I believe Quetta along with Peshawar deserves to host PSL matches,” Nadeem explained.

“Both people of Quetta and Peshawar have suffered a lot previously and now it is their turn to see all the stars play in their own stadiums. PSL in Pakistan can’t be completed without having Quetta and Peshawar as the host cities.”

Nadeem also congratulated Islamabad United on winning their second PSL title while he also praised Peshawar Zalmi on reaching the finals.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2018