As a child I always wondered why cricket wasn’t the national sport of Pakistan. The craze of cricket runs in every Pakistani – each and every street in Pakistan has witnessed different generations rejoicing their love for the game. In 2009, with Pakistan shadowed in the wrath of terrorism, in broad daylight, the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked in Lahore. Following a number of other terrorist attacks that took place nationwide, Pakistanis stopped thinking about the return of international cricket to their homeland.
‘Tour of XYZ international cricket team to Pakistan‘ meant that the matches will be organized in Dubai/Sharjah.
Pakistan Super League’s 2nd edition was not only bigger than the 1st edition but had something extremely special about it. Before the league even started, PCB chairman Najam Sethi announced that the final of PSL will be held in Lahore. Due to unfortunate events that took place last month, the decision of holding the PSL final in Lahore was questionable. However, Pakistanis are known for their confidence and we didn’t back out in fear either. As a result, we witnessed an amazing and electrifying final last night.
Seeing the stadium fill up fills my heart with pride. Lahoris & all Pakistanis hit the terror out of arena. This is what I call brave people
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 5, 2017
A super event,full of fun joy & energy-jam packed stadium-delighted to have been there.WellDone PSL mgnt, govt,LEAs pic.twitter.com/5hw2uYwxqD
— Nasim Zehra (@NasimZehra) March 5, 2017
The stadium was filled with patriots who were excited to witness the return of cricket!
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— United (@SohaTazz) March 5, 2017
The opening ceremony started off with sublime performances from Ali Zafar, Faakhir, Overload and Pakistan’s very own rockstar Ali Azmat!
Nawaz Sharif is the Prime Minister. There’s cricket at Gaddafi. Ali Azmat is singing Yaaro Yehi Dosti He.
It’s like I woke up in the 90s aaj— Chachi Chatters (@ChachiChatters) March 5, 2017
Ali Azmat is here. Greatest rockstar in South East Asian history.
— Omair. (@omairraslam) March 5, 2017
Indeed!
What a historic day! Pakistan won! Congratulations @PeshawarZalmi. Congratulations Lahore. Congratulations Pakistan! pic.twitter.com/ldNaGRm2lv
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) March 5, 2017
While the ceremony was taking place in full-swing, players of Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi were taking rounds of the stadium, celebrating this prestigious moment!
PSL jawans? ???????? #PslFinalLahore #HBLPSL pic.twitter.com/B4ErmRvCEL
— Parhlo (@parhlo) March 5, 2017
Daren Sammy Couldn’t Control His Excitement Either! <3
True Entertainer Sammy is a Champion we gonna miss you PSL. pic.twitter.com/jkiorFkGRK
— Nabeel Khan (@hyp3rfr3ak) March 5, 2017
And He Continued Stealing The Show
Sammy Click a selfie with ground staff of Qadafi Stadium Lahore. pic.twitter.com/Pjexn0mPXW
— TEAM AFRIDI (@TEAM_AFRIDI) March 5, 2017
The match started with Zalmis giving a decent target of 148 runs to the Gladiators. With Kamran Akmal scoring 40 runs and Sammy hitting back to back boundaries, Zalmi proved themselves as the powerful side in the first innings and managed to back it with their bowling as well. Gladiators were bowled out for 90 runs!
And The Celebrations Started!
So happy for my brother @Khushal. Peshawar Zalmi are champions! WARKA DANG pic.twitter.com/t2kdDkihtL
— Sarkhail Khan (@Sarkhail7Khan) March 5, 2017
Zalmi Boys Doing The Boom-Boom!
Yes u r our champions. Hats off #Peshawar zalmi ???? pic.twitter.com/HSO6itt103
— I em Nida Dar (@CoolNidadar) March 5, 2017
And Sammy With His Trademark Picture Pose
Warka Dang! #PSL
Sammy’s picture tho ????????
Congratulations Zalmis pic.twitter.com/nmnCyMLsJ8— ShanZay khan (@shanzaykhan2) March 5, 2017
This Guy Is A Legend!
Sammy Shinwari, what a legend pic.twitter.com/T6gvyThr2k
— ł (@M_Ullah) March 5, 2017
Sammy Also Thanked Afridi Who Gave Him The Captaincy Of Peshawar Zalmi
I would like to thanks Shahid Afridi for giving me captaincy : Darren Sammy pic.twitter.com/ublK4YEs2j
— TEAM AFRIDI (@TEAM_AFRIDI) March 5, 2017
Kamran Akmal Was Awarded The Man Of The Tournament Award!
#KhpalKeeper @KamiAkmal23 wins Man of the Tournament for #HBLPSL Season 2 for his consistent batting performance & excellent keeping! pic.twitter.com/tkoO5SufL0
— PeshawarZalmi (@PeshawarZalmi) March 5, 2017
One couldn’t have wished for a better PSL ending than the one we witnessed last night. Surely, this year’s tournament was amazing. Hope we will see more of international cricket in Pakistan!
