Former Pakistan great Zaheer Abbas has welcomed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s decision of staging Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Pakistan as scheduled.

“Since security is getting better, we have eight matches in Pakistan this year and hopefully the whole HBL PSL will be held in Pakistan next year. That will be great as HBL PSL is all about Pakistan,” the former captain and ex-ICC President said, according to the official HBL PSL’s website.

Abbas, who played 78 Tests and 62 one-day internationals for Pakistan, also said that people must come to matches in big numbers.

“My message is to come to the matches and tolerate any hardship you face during the security check ups as they are in place for safety,” he said.

He also believes that the HBL PSL has given some talented players to Pakistan.

“The the main objective of the HBL PSL is to give new talent to Pakistan cricket,” said the president of Peshawar Zalmi. “Twenty20 leagues have become a phenomenon around the world and it presents a good opportunity for young players.”

He, however, admitted that it is tough to get good batsmen from the Twenty20 leagues.

“You can’t get good batsmen from Twenty20 cricket as most of them get to bat for a few overs. But, yes, if someone gets to bat the full 20 overs, then he can establish himself as batsman,” he concluded.

Eight matches of the fourth edition of HBL PSL will take place in Pakistan, with the final in Karachi on March 17.