LAHORE: With just less than a week to the big final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Lahore, four foreign players from the Quetta Gladiators say they will not be participating in the event taking place in the Punjab capital.
Kevin Pietersen – who has been instrumental in taking his team to the PSL final, Luke Wright, Tymal Mills and Nathan McCullum have decided against playing in Lahore on March 5.
I’ll pick that up in London tomorrow. Bye bye Dubai! Your weather was 👎🏼 but the golf was 👍🏻. #FamilyTime https://t.co/jMIMrL26NY
— KP (@KP24) February 28, 2017
It is learnt that Rilee Rossouw could come to the Punjab capital for the big game. The other players are a bit skeptical about security.
Quetta Gladiators have qualified for the finals on Tuesday after beating Peshawar Zalmi in a thrilling one-run victory.
It’s with a heavy heart I will not be coming to Lahore. I have a young family and for me a game of cricket is just not worth the risk 1/3
— Luke Wright (@lukewright204) February 28, 2017
The Punjab administration said it was taking all measures necessary to hold the final in the city and has assured players about the security arrangements in and outside the Gaddafi Stadium.
I’m sorry as I know how much it means to you all and hopefully in the future the safety will not be in doubt to come play there. 2/3
— Luke Wright (@lukewright204) February 28, 2017
PSL Chairman Najam Sethi revealed that not only players but eight international security experts including those from ICC will be there to watch the PSL final and monitor the security situation in Pakistan.
@TeamQuetta @thePSLt20 . pic.twitter.com/4aT80px8zj
— Tymal Mills (@tmills15) February 28, 2017
He added that the tickets for viewing the final in Lahore will be available from tomorrow.
Extraordinary security arrangements have been chalked out for the match while Pakistan Army has also assured full-proof security to the visiting foreign players.
Punjab government, after approval of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, on Monday gave the go-ahead for the final to take place in Lahore following thorough consideration and evaluation of security conditions in the country.
