The interim Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, has instructed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to develop a comprehensive plan for organizing Pakistan Super League Season 9 (PSL-9) matches throughout the country. The directives were issued during a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister to discuss matters related to the PCB.
According to the information provided during the meeting, PSL-9 is scheduled to take place in February 2024, with matches set to be held in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan. Prime Minister Kakar also emphasized the need to initiate restoration work on Quetta’s Bugti Stadium and Peshawar’s Arbab-e Niaz Stadium to facilitate international cricket matches.
Furthermore, he highlighted the potential for Gwadar Cricket Stadium and Pissan Stadium in the Nagar area of Gilgit-Baltistan to host cricket matches, and he directed the preparation of a plan for the establishment of new cricket stadiums with modern facilities, international-standard hotels, and shopping areas to boost tourism.
In addition, Prime Minister Kakar instructed the transfer of four cricket grounds in Islamabad to the PCB for cricket development purposes. The meeting also touched upon the ongoing construction of cricket infrastructure in cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Gujranwala, Peshawar, and Bahawalpur.
Notably, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, National Stadium Karachi, and Multan Stadium are undergoing a transformation to solar energy, according to the Prime Minister’s announcement.
The meeting saw the presence of key figures such as PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf, COO Salman Naseer, Chief Selector Wahab Riaz, Federal Minister for Privatization Fawad Hasan Fawad, and relevant government officials. The discussions reflected a concerted effort to enhance cricket facilities, promote tourism, and make strides in sustainable energy practices within the realm of Pakistani cricket.
