The matches slated to be held in Pakistan will go ahead as originally planned despite tensions between arch-rivals Pakistan and India, said PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani, on Thursday.
There were rumours and speculation that the cricket league’s matches scheduled to take in Pakistan would instead be played in the UAE after tensions between Pakistan and India peaked earlier this week.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets shot down two Indian Air Force (AIF) aircraft on Wednesday as retaliation for Indian planes intruding into Pakistani airspace and dropping payload.
However, the PCB chairman brushed aside speculation and said that eight matches will be played in Pakistan, as per the original plan.
“This is our unanimous decision that matches will be held according to the plan, in Pakistan,” he said. I’m thankful to all the franchise owners and other stakeholders who supported our decision.”
Ehsan Mani brushed aside all doubts and said that foreign players had agreed to tour Pakistan and play the league despite rising tensions with India.
“Those who had made a commitment to visit Pakistan initially have reconfirmed their availability and commitment to visit Pakistan,” he said.
He said that logistical issues that had arisen as a result of the suspension of flight operations due to tensions with India would be sorted out.
“We have the capability to manage these issues,” he said.
He was also backed by franchise owners who were with the PCB chairman at the important presser.
“We are with PCB on this decision and our players are also ready to visit Pakistan,” said Sameen Rana, COO of Lahore Qalandars.
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