Pakistan Super League 2: Lahore to host tournament final on March 7 next year

Karachi, Nov 3: Lahore will host the final of the second edition of Pakistan Super League Twenty20 tournament on March 7 next year subject to security clearance, the country's Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Tuesday (Nov 2).

All you need to know about Pakistan Super League (PSL) Twenty20

The tournament, which features five franchises, will commence from February 9 with all the matches except the final to be held in Dubai and Sharjah.

Although the PCB has slotted the final for Lahore but it has also made it clear it is subject to security clearance given the prevailing security conditions in Pakistan which has seen top Test playing nations avoid touring the country since March, 2009.

The PCB has in its contracts given to the foreign players included a clause which makes it binding upon them to make themselves available for the final in Lahore if their team qualifies for the summit clash.

But a reliable source in the PCB has also confirmed that in return for playing in Lahore the foreign players whose franchises are in the final will be paid extra fees of around USD 20,000 each.

Najam Sethi, a senior official of the PCB, has said in recent times that on some occasions they were advised by the government and security agencies to not invite international teams to Pakistan or Lahore because of security threats.

The first PSL was a big success for the PCB held last February in Dubai and Sharjah. Riding on inaugural edition's success, more big names from overseas were included in the players draft held last month in Dubai.

Interestingly, although the PSL was only launched this year there are strong moves to make it an independent private company without any direct control of the PCB.

A well-informed source said the matter is to be put up for approval when the general body of the Board meets on November 9 in Lahore but PCB Chairman, Sharharyar Khan has already made it clear that the PCB wants to have control over the league.

PTI