Mohammad Abbas: “I hope and pray that all PSL games will be played in Pakistan soon, and also international cricket will return to the country as well”

Image courtesy of: Pakistan Super League

Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Abbas is hoping that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) can help revive international cricket in the country.

Abbas’ comments come after Islamabad United and the Lahore Qalandars played in Karachi on Saturday.

With the remaining seven games, including the final, also being held in Karachi, Abbas is optimistic that it will help convince international sides to play in Pakistan.

Sri Lanka played a Twenty20 International in Lahore in October 2017 before the West Indies played a three-match Twenty20 series in Karachi in April 2018.

“We have arrived from Dubai to Pakistan for the PSL, and are feeling really good that we are getting an opportunity to play in our country and in front of our crowds,” Abbas, who has taken two wickets in two games for the Multan Sultans at an average of 23.50, was quoted as saying by PakPassion. “There will be eight games in Karachi and I am very excited to play in front of our crowd.

“Since I have started playing cricket, I have never before played in a game in front of our crowd which is broadcast live on TV. I am seeing a lot of spirit and enthusiasm in people as I saw that even at 3am when we arrived in Karachi, people were on the streets.

“These were great scenes as if it was the festival of Eid and this is a very good thing and credit goes to the PCB for this.

“I am hoping that the international players who are here in the PSL will really enjoy this atmosphere and will see that Pakistan [is] a friendly and a peace-loving nation. I also thank the foreign players who have come to play in Pakistan for the PSL.

“I hope and pray that all PSL games will be played in Pakistan soon, and also international cricket will return to the country as well and we will enjoy it.”