LAHORE – Shahid Afridi, former Pakistan skipper and one of the most popularcricketers around the world for his boom boom hitting, has saluted theforeign players for featuring in the Pakistan-leg matches of the HBLPakistan Super League, saying they will always be credited for helping thePCB to revive international cricket in the country.
The 39-year-old, who played all his early cricket in Karachi androse to international fame, represented Multan Sultans in the HBLPSL 2019 and will be in action against Lahore Qalandars tomorrow,Monday, said a analysis carried out here on Sunday.
Afridi said all 41 foreign stars, as well as those before themwho have come to Pakistan in the last three years, are real stars.”Whenever international cricket will be fully revived in Pakistan,the credit will go to these foreign players who have come to ourcountry,” Afridi added.
“We salute them for touring Pakistan and appreciate theircontribution,” said the all rounder.
Afridi hoped more and more international cricket will come toPakistan.
“These PSL matches and the few series we have hosted since 2015,have proved that Pakistan is a safe country, the people here arepeace-loving people and they want to watch cricket on their grounds,”he said adding “I am sure with security improving and these foreignplayers coming to Pakistan will send a very positive message to theworld and I hope more teams will come to Pakistan and our isolationwill soon be over.”
Afridi said arrangements for the matches in Karachi are outstanding.”Karachi is a vibrant, welcoming and a memorable city, and theresponse of these PSL matches is very good,” said Afridi of the matchesthat started from Saturday.
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“There was a big crowd, good number of people came and theorganisation of the event was very good. People want to watch thesematches and foreign players have responded well. I hope this willcontinue till the final,” he asserted.The final will be held on 17 March.
Afridi praised security personnel for putting up excellent arrangements.
“The security arrangements are outstanding and I salute allthose involved in providing high profile security and hope thatall the foreign players will feel at home,” said Afridi.
“My message to the fans is to enjoy the game and come in bignumbers. Pakistan cricket is on the up and I am sure our cricketwill continue to rise,” he concluded.
