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Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah on Monday said the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final will be held in Lahore as scheduled, reported DawnNews.
"The announcement to hold the final in Lahore will be made shortly by the Chief Minister Secretariat," said the law minister.
He added that preparations have been made to hold the final at the Gaddafi Stadium and final preparations are ongoing at the venue.
The decision was made in a high-level huddle of Provincial Cabinet Committee held earlier today.
PSL Chairman Najam Sethi said the decision has been announced by the Punjab government and added that the tickets for the final will go on sale from Tuesday.
"Tickets will go on sale from tomorrow and will be available online and through outlets."
"We have to wait till March 3 to know which foreign players will travel to Lahore, as we still do not know which two teams will qualify," said the PSL chairman while referring to attendance of foreign players.
He also praised the Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for the decision and said all provincial and federal authorities, including security forces, are "on the same page".
"This is a time for the people to be united and resilient," said Sethi adding that the decision has shown the country will not be held hostage by terrorism.
Sethi also said the wish of the people had been conveyed to the government and the government in turn had ensured proper arrangements for the PSL final.
Due to security concerns following a recent wave of terror attacks in different parts of the country, including Lahore, there had been speculation that the PSL final may not be held in Pakistan after all.
Events and activities have been banned in areas surrounding Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium until March 5.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar Khan earlier said despite recent terror attacks in Lahore, the PCB was eager to hold the high-profile PSL final in the provincial capital. However, he had categorically stated that the final decision in this regard would rest with the government.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (109) Closed
Feb 27, 2017 05:53pm
Great news indeed. My heart is filled with pleasure
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Feb 27, 2017 05:53pm
bad decision
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Feb 27, 2017 05:53pm
Poor decision, any minor incident will set back cricket in Pakistan for years. Even a celebratory firecracker may set of a panic.
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Feb 27, 2017 05:54pm
...and the announcement to hold final of a sporting event in your own country becomes a more major event than the sporting event itself. Anything else?
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Feb 27, 2017 05:58pm
It's good in way..Not holding it will further encourage the terrorists..No city should be held hostage by these terrorist.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:01pm
Lahorites, brace yourselves for a complete lockdown of your city. i.e. road closures etc. I don't know if it is fun or what?
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Feb 27, 2017 06:03pm
@Imtiazhamid Dont panic
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Feb 27, 2017 06:07pm
If PSL final is held in Lahore under extraordinarily tight security (under a mini Martial Law or a local curfew) it would send a very negative message to the world. This will in no way prove that Pakistan has no security issues because T20 is merely a 2-3 hour event.
Further if all security is diverted to the cricket ground area at the cost of common man's safety and security, it would not be a wise decision.
I sincerely hope sanity prevails.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:08pm
Finally Lahore will host the Final without Lahore in the final.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:09pm
Super News. For God sake do not be negative all the time and have a trust on God and our security forces.
No one stops driving because there is a chance of accident.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:12pm
@Majid Lahorians don't feel bad for not in final as they have big heart to welcome all. Lahore is used to of this situation as 1996 world cup final was held in Lahore without Pakistan in the final.
I love PSL and Good Luck for the finalists.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:14pm
Hope for the best...
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Feb 27, 2017 06:14pm
Why Lahore when they failed to even qualify?
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Feb 27, 2017 06:15pm
How to buy tickets. does somebody know?
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Feb 27, 2017 06:19pm
Good. But please make elaborate security arrangements.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:16pm
@ahmed hassan
Tickets will be sold online from Tuesday onwards, as said by Sethi.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:19pm
Surprisingly, final can only be held either in Lahore or out of country. There is no other city in Pakistan which can be considered.... Don't know what to say
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Feb 27, 2017 06:21pm
@Maamu Jaan looks like you didn't like the decision. The disappointment of Indians!
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Feb 27, 2017 06:22pm
May God be with us, inshallah.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:24pm
Let me jog some memory for our readers. Long long time ago once upon a time, i.e. in the year 2009, no cricket teams were coming to Pakistan due to safety reasons. They Sri Lankan team was talked into visiting Pakistan. Sri Lankan team were promised to be provided presidential security if they chose to play in Pakistan. They decided to came to provide cricket for the people of Pakistan. What happened next is evident to all of us. Now Karachi Kings Sri Lankan players have again been told that the security would be maximum if they chose to visit the same ground. Should Sangakara and Jayverdhanay forget about what happened to their team 8 years ago and visit Pakistan? Don't forget they were given presidential security in 2009 as well.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:29pm
I pray and hope that everything goes well and it make path for international teams of all sports to start again visiting Pakistan.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:30pm
@Ahmad This trust that you asked for has bought us to this situation!
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Feb 27, 2017 06:32pm
look who is talking.
Although it will be nice to have final in Pakistan but with this bunch of irresponsible
people running the government, better to have in Dubai
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Feb 27, 2017 06:33pm
That's the Spirit!!! Never Surrender to any kind of terrorism. Best Wishes from India.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:34pm
@Imran It's because PCB headquarter is in Lahore's Quzzaffi, so it is the only stadium where the cricket field is playable due to some maintenance.
Also I think due to the NCA, the players would have a place to stay inside the cordoned off area.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:36pm
Great decision indeed ! Very best wishes !
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Feb 27, 2017 06:36pm
That is Great to hear, Good Luck N Sathi and co. You have done a lot of hardwork, may that Pay!
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Feb 27, 2017 06:39pm
Not more than anyone else but the terrorists who exploded in Lahore necessitated the final in the city. It is to their credit that this match will be held in Lahore. The enemies had asked us to for a statement on it, and here it comes: The game is on!
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Feb 27, 2017 06:38pm
Finally some good news, let's free ourselves from any fear.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:40pm
Lahore qalandars are already kicked out of PSL then why Lahore? Why not Karachi or Islamabad?
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Feb 27, 2017 06:45pm
Pakistani friends should whole heartedly welcome and support punjab government on this regard, If the final match was not fixed in Lahore means it will sent a wrong message to terrorists organisations and it will considered as they have won.
At the same time Punjab government should take all the precautionary steps to provide fool proof security. Also the people should vigil and inform the security agencies on any unwanted activities . Enjoy the PSL final - A true sports lover from India.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:46pm
Pay foreign players like IPL pays 18 to 20 crores, all will come.
Best of luck.only caution,a small incident can send foreign players away from Pakistan for years to come.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:50pm
What a priority.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:48pm
good to hear
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Feb 27, 2017 06:49pm
Do we really want to believe this guy, this time??
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Feb 27, 2017 06:54pm
Bring peace to the country first. This defiance needs to be backed by real work by all institutions first and foremost. We lost over a hundred people only this month (Feb) due to terror activities but in our craze for cricket we're ready to take a risk that may endanger even more lives. Why can't they simply hold it in the UAE?
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Feb 27, 2017 06:58pm
@Billa you celebrate too early and then later you point fingers.
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Feb 27, 2017 06:56pm
@Irfan sensible and mature comment.
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Feb 27, 2017 07:00pm
Such therapies are a must in a conflict situation to restore confidence among the terror-stricken population. In doing so, Pakistan can reemerge as a safe venue for future cricket. I wish the event a grant success and its organizers a kudos ahead of the event.
Best wishes
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Feb 27, 2017 07:08pm
The very right decision.
Never give in to terrorists.
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Feb 27, 2017 07:10pm
Hope everything goes well.
Alot of people running our country and PCB should be get some training in management and structured decision making,
Half baked idea was announced to public. No discussion and agreement was obtained with foreign players. They may still not play in Lahore.
They need to weigh benefits, cost and risk.
One off match playee under extremely high security will not create the confidence for teams to start touring Pakistan ... hopefully that is the end objective.
Let us PRAY that all goes well.
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Feb 27, 2017 07:13pm
Media and Rana Sana are providing full details of security measures to terrorists. Watch tv channels and read papers.
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Feb 27, 2017 07:18pm
@anum agreed
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Feb 27, 2017 07:31pm
Hope its going to be a successful event providing all entertainment to the viewers. Let the game win. Wishes fron across the border.
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Feb 27, 2017 07:35pm
@sajjad Kamran
Well said.
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Feb 27, 2017 07:39pm
There will probably be more security personnel than public.
And please PCB - Don't give away all the tickets to VIP's who pay nothing. You need the revenue. charge the VIP's more. and common people less so that they can enjoy.
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Feb 27, 2017 07:43pm
indians and lobby is unhappy!
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Feb 27, 2017 07:45pm
Fool proof measures assured by fools, May God have mercy!!!
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Feb 27, 2017 07:57pm
Ok so if you have decided to hold the final in Qadafi Stadium that is not bad, what we should be v sure about are few v important things
The shops around and on path of hotel to stadium must be open with selective traffic but should be open.
The activity around stadium must be in full flow meaning the touring foreigners must see Lahore as Lahore
The security must be very tight very tight but the teams should be taken on the Lahore bus tours so they can see Lahore, I don't understand how this can be difficult I think if shehbaz can get a bomb proof car for himself same can be provided to others however the terrorists might not strike the players instead they might hit the innocent people as message to foreigners, you were lucky ... I guess Islamabad would have been a great avenue, in F-9 Park as no terror attacks in Islamabad lately
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Feb 27, 2017 08:05pm
now public official on whose presence when in Power Sri Lanka team was attacked., Now public officials who are alleged to have terrorist links and murder charges will decide fate of this province and city and its people.
Serves Pakistani right. Enjoy them now.
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Feb 27, 2017 08:03pm
All the best,hope it turns out without any attacks
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Feb 27, 2017 08:03pm
Tight security is a must for this event.
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Feb 27, 2017 08:09pm
Lahore is as safe as Europe or US these times . And as unsafe as Europe or US these times.
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Feb 27, 2017 08:14pm
Good WORK!!!.THERE IS A DIRE NEED OF DOING THIS TO SHOW WORLD THAT PAKISTAN IS SAFE COUNTRY
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Feb 27, 2017 08:16pm
Let's get ready for some fireworks.. !
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Feb 27, 2017 08:18pm
Good luck folks. Hope it goes well and we have full PSL in Pakistan next year.
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Feb 27, 2017 08:21pm
Not worth the risk in the current situation...This single match may satisfy ego, but will not result in the arrival of foreign teams. If there is any unfortunate incident, it will bury our cricket for decades..
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Feb 27, 2017 08:24pm
@SIKAPHCROT - Careful what you wish for. The term has different meaning for different groups.
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Feb 27, 2017 08:45pm
Agree with UK and Miandad. PAKISTAN will gain nothing by hosting it. World is fully aware of the Terrorists and their Blasts. They should rather Put resources to eliminate their Facilitators in the country.
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Feb 27, 2017 08:45pm
Superb. But no stone must be unturned to take all security measures.
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Feb 27, 2017 08:49pm
Extremely bad decision risking the precious lives just for fun????????????
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Feb 27, 2017 08:52pm
@Imtiazhamid ,absolutely
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Feb 27, 2017 09:20pm
If all out security is diverted to this mega event this could create any mishaps in other parts of Lahore. It would be like waging war and and a greater risk indeed..
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Feb 27, 2017 09:38pm
Bad decision, it will not prove anything to outside world. No team will visit Pakistan until the situation gets better. Pakistan will end up spending millions of rupees in security arrangement for nothing. Punjab government try to proof that they are capable of holding international event, but at what cost. Forget about cricket for a while. Pay attention on security. Reduce extra security for VIP or VVIP politicians, like Mr. Sanaullah, and divert these resources towards general public safety.
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Feb 27, 2017 09:47pm
Is there any sensible person in current cabinet? Common sense should prevail did someone think what would be consequence in case of any mishap. Even if any innocent life loss will be a tragedy but who cares.
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Feb 27, 2017 09:54pm
Great news !
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Feb 27, 2017 09:54pm
Sub sey pehley Pakistan !
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Feb 27, 2017 10:02pm
Breathtaking decision
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Feb 27, 2017 10:04pm
Which is most important? Lives of innocent people or few hours of cricket fun? It is a decision based on fake ego and pride.
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Feb 27, 2017 10:05pm
Wish PSL all the best..
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Feb 27, 2017 10:08pm
Yes, no problem for Mr. Najam Sethi, Rana Sanaullah and Sharif family because their bullet proof cars will protect them but is there any safety for ordinary people?
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Feb 27, 2017 10:15pm
.. With the unity of people of Pakistan and its great spirit every impossible will be possible.. Inshallah ..we will rise..
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Feb 27, 2017 10:14pm
Bad decision in the presence of chronic insecurity and chronic injustice in Pakistan.
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Feb 27, 2017 10:18pm
To all the Pakistani brothers and sisters .. Say yes and spread the message of unity , leave all the doubts and do not make negative comments... Psl should be held in the homeland ..
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Feb 27, 2017 10:19pm
A country is not considered safe where security is provided only to the rulers and their families and wealthy feudal lords. So it is and decision!!
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Feb 27, 2017 10:31pm
I am not sure how good the decision is but now that the govt. has made a decision, we should support it. This will give a signal to all those against the return of sports to the country. People argue that it is just a sport, but it is actually more then that.
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Feb 27, 2017 10:58pm
Good news for Pakistan,
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Feb 27, 2017 11:19pm
@shaharyar shaikh because it is the best city in pakistan
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Feb 27, 2017 11:21pm
After deploying our full resources what we are trying to prove here?
can we do that in each and every match.
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Feb 27, 2017 11:39pm
Its will serve nothing, just a bad decision. What are they trying to prove and to whom? Does it matter if they hold the final in Lahore using 15000 military men? And do they know the consequences if something unwishful happens inside or even outside the stadium?
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Feb 27, 2017 11:40pm
Good luck Pakistan, gutsy decision. All of us would like this to be peaceful(including Indians).
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Feb 27, 2017 11:39pm
@khabboo Don't worry, VIPs will not have guts to show. It is the common man who is going to show up.
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Feb 27, 2017 11:46pm
Bad decision.....if a risk to benefit analysis was first done, this decision would not have been taken.
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Feb 28, 2017 12:18am
What if something bad happens?
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Feb 28, 2017 12:21am
This will do more harm then good.
The message we will give is that , Pakistan is so unsafe that even for a marquee event we need highest level of security , which takes away the element of fun & entertainment, good luck to all the fans who will actually think about going there.
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Feb 28, 2017 12:23am
Sanaullah, Can you GUARANTEE safety & security for all those willing to attend? You can't.
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Feb 28, 2017 12:20am
Brilliant decision, this will surely convey a two prong message, first Pakistan is a peace seeking responsible country and the second message to the terrorists & their operators that Pakistan will challenge them & destroy them at all cost & sooner than they think. GOD Bless Pakistan.
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Feb 28, 2017 12:39am
Bad decision based on security situation.
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Feb 28, 2017 12:39am
Since the decision has be made let's support it
Hope all goes well
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Feb 28, 2017 01:46am
Excellent news. Let the enemies know that we can do it.
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Feb 28, 2017 01:56am
@Zalmay :"Lahore is as safe as Europe or US these times . And as unsafe as Europe or US these times"
... with the kind of unprecedented security being given to this event...? That will scare the foreigners even much more that things are far from safe...
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Feb 28, 2017 02:45am
Terrorists attacking in Pakistan since 15 years bcz they not want PSL final in Lahore.. If PSL final played in lahore terrorists defeated and terrorism eliminated from Pakistan...interesting
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Feb 28, 2017 03:13am
I think that's a great idea. Terrorists have to be shown that nothing can stop because of them.
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Feb 28, 2017 03:44am
IPeople keep there eyes and ear open and look in positive way , things will be better . Go PSL.
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Feb 28, 2017 04:52am
Wow Cricket again
Good decision
Cricket again wow
We (Pakistani ) are not afraid of dying . Inshallah PSL Final Match would be made history by closing the mouth enemies and proved Pakistan as peaceful for everyone so , whatever hurdles are on the way we will never bow before threats of timid People .
Pakistan Zindabad
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Feb 28, 2017 04:54am
Great News. Good decision. We should show to the terrorist and the world that we are not afraid. However, good management and proper security is needed.
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Feb 28, 2017 04:59am
The decision seems to be based more on ego than wisdom. How would it pave the way for foreign teams tours when no foreign player is going to show up in the final?
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Feb 28, 2017 05:49am
Our prayers for the safety of everyone.
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Feb 28, 2017 06:17am
What's expected to be gained from holding one match in Pakistan amidst extremely heightened security? This is just serving the terrorist's purpose! Either hold the whole thing here or just hold the final in UAE too.
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Feb 28, 2017 07:12am
As they say, the show must go on.
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Feb 28, 2017 07:28am
Sanaullah the worst of worst when it comes to leadership, I can't believe these kind of people are still in power,
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Feb 28, 2017 07:55am
This will not do anything to bring international cricket back to Pakistan. Just hope security will do its job and all spectators are safe.
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Feb 28, 2017 08:21am
What if the international players refuse to come? In my humble opinion, the event should be hosted in UAE. It appears to be a political decision. We should not force foreigners to start visiting our country like before, keep up the good work and they will return for sure. Pakistan has a very bright future and we must continue to put our house in order.
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Feb 28, 2017 09:00am
For the love of game, I pray that nothing bad happens and cricket returns to Pakistan for good!!
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Feb 28, 2017 09:16am
Good decision, Final should be in Lahore, We have full confidence on LEA's and Pakistan Army. Long live Pak Army, Pakistan Zindabad.
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Feb 28, 2017 09:16am
Good dicigen by goverment
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Feb 28, 2017 10:41am
@ahmed hassan , I think Hafeez Sayeed or Masood Azhar should be given responsibility for selling tickets.. It will send a good message to our enemies that we are not afraid of them..
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Feb 28, 2017 12:57pm
Govt should utilize all out efforts to make the event of PSL colorful. this shall definitely attract to foreign teams/players to visit our country for playing matches.
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Mar 01, 2017 02:36pm
Not a war monger though,but Pakistan would have been in a better condition in terms of security,had the given up lust for Kashmir.
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