PSL success has aided PCB’s credibility: Ehsan Mani

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani has said that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has improved the credibility of PCB globally.

Mani expressed these thoughts on Monday in a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. He believed that the availability of foreign players and support staff has significantly impacted the credibility of the PCB and Pakistan in the international community.

“I want to extend my thanks to the franchisees and all the commercial partners, without whose contribution we would not have been able to put together an event which is now one of the most talked about events in the world,” he said. “I am confident after this event, our relationship with the franchisees and the commercial partners will strengthen and we will do better in future.”

The PSL concluded a day prior where Quetta Gladiators were successful in securing their maiden title victory against Peshawar Zalmi at the National Stadium Karachi.

The head of the PCB was happy with the turnout and response the PSL received in its final leg in Karachi.

“The success of any event is gauged by crowd attendances and I am delighted that the overall crowd turnout at the National Stadium over the seven match days was nearly 95 per cent. This reflects the passion and love for cricket here,” he said.

Mani said that there was hesitance in having all matches take place in Karachi. However because of the support from local administration, the event went smoothly.

“I want to pass on my gratitude to the local administration and all the security agencies for their hard work and cooperation,” he said. “By hosting six high profile teams and staging eight matches in seven days, we have shown the world our capabilities and resources to stage international matches.”

Mani was also vocal about the significance of the spirit of cricket.

“It was so heartening to see the players competing hard but at the same time playing within the Spirit of Cricket, by respecting the opponents and the umpires,” he said. “This event was a great advertisement and promotion for cricket and I am sure the younger generation will learn the way this great game needs to be played.”

He added: “All those players and officials who participated in this event are role models and inspiration for the future generation of cricketers. I can say with conviction that they have played a huge part in the PCB’s endeavours’ for the complete restoration of international cricket in Pakistan.”