ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan has said that hosting the final of the Pakistan Super League under curfew-like situation will not lead to the revival of the cricket in the country.
Speaking during ARY News program ‘The Reporters’ on Thursday, Imran Khan questioned whether the objective of the PSL will be achieved by hosting the event under such circumstances.
He was of the opinion that it will rather be counter-productive and will instead force international teams away from the country. “What impression are we giving to the world by holding the event under such circumstances?”
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The cricketer-turned-politician said that there was already a high-alert in Lahore and across the country and in case of any untoward situation, cricket will be out of the country for at least the next decade.
He added that a local match was being politicised to give an impression that Nawaz Sharif was a popular leader and slogans will be raised in his favour during the match.
‘Under such security measures, matches can be held even in Iraq or Syria’
Earlier on Thursday while addressing a tree plantation drive gathering, Imran Khan had maintained his stance and said that the extra-ordinary security would not improve the image of the country.
He maintained that under such security measures, matches can also be held even in Iraq or Syria.
The PTI chief said that they were not being given permission to host rallies and other gatherings in Lahore due to the security, and now thousands of police were being deployed for a single event.
He also criticised the PSL for hosting domestic players in poorly-attended stadiums of Dubai and Sharjah, and said that instead the whole tournament should be held in Pakistan.
