PSL Matches In Lahore
PSL matches in Lahore a dispute over the cost of security lighting, which may have dampened the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL matches in Lahore) shine, was “apparently” settled when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the nine games at Gaddafi Stadium would be canceled as such were planned to take place.
The standoff between the Punjab Interim Government and the PCB has continued in recent days after the former demanded Rs 250 million to cover security costs. The PCB offered to donate just Rs 100 million, stressing that security is the sole responsibility of the government.
PCB Management Committee Chairman Najam Sethi said on Sunday that the Deputy Minister had agreed to share in the lighting costs for PSL matches in Lahore.
“Good news: CM Punjab Mohsin Naqvi Saheb has been kind enough to agree to share lighting costs for PSL games in Lahore. HBL PSL matches in Lahore and Pindi will continue as planned,” Sethi tweeted. Punjab
Government sources say the tweet was “misleading” as the government did not back down from its stance and the PCB continued to pay the Rs.250 million must bear cost of buying the safety lamps
When we were contacted Ibrahim Hassan Murad, head of the Punjab government assured us that PCB would bear the cost whether it is 250 million or 300 million rupees depending on the government’s decision
On Sunday, Mr Sethi said he contacted the prime minister, who is also the council’s sponsor, to discuss the matter.
Ambiguity
The matter seemed settled, at least for now, as the route of teams – Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi – was lit by security lights in dark places en route to Gaddafi Stadium for Sunday’s game.
Murad said security lights had been installed in dark areas and that the government will ensure player safety during the nine games in Lahore.
However, it is not yet clear who would pay for the security lights.
Although Punjab Chief Secretary
Zahid Akhtar Zaman said there was no dispute as the PCB and the government were “on the same side”, he added that the money issue would be “resolved in due course”.
“PSL matches in Lahore is more important for Lahore at the moment,” said Dawn. Earlier, the Punjab government said the shutdown was “resolved” after it was decided PCBs would buy the security lights. It was pledged that the government would cover all costs except the cost of safety lighting.
According to the interim government, the previous government spent 600 million rupees on security lighting in 2022, and this year the cost is estimated to be more than 500 million rupees. However,
PCB sources familiar with the negotiations said the council would contribute Rs 100 million and the government would cover the remaining cost in a lump sum.
PCB press release quoting Mr Sethi thanked Punjab Acting CM for agreeing to share lighting costs.
“Nine matches at Pakistan Cricket Stadium [Gaddafi Stadium], including four playoffs, will now take place as previously announced,” the press release added.
“I am also grateful to the franchisees for their tremendous and unwavering support from PCB throughout this process. We remain committed to working with local governments and sharing ideas and suggestions with them on how they can use HBL PSL matches in Lahore more strategically to generate revenue like any other major sports show,” Sethi added would illuminate the road between the hotel and the stadium to ensure team safety as part of deals signed in 2014 to restore international cricket in Pakistan.