News Desk |
Australian cricketer Shane Watson will be playing the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2019 fixtures in Karachi. The 37-year-old is representing Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing domestic T20 competition.
Watson decided to play in Karachi after being convinced by Nadeem Omar. He had skipped the Pakistan leg of the tournament in last year’s edition. Quetta Gladiators’ Manager Azam Khan said the all-rounder is ready to come to Pakistan.
The Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United will face off on March 9, while the Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators will take the field on March 10. Lahore will face the Multan Sultans on March 11.
Later on, the cricketer took to Twitter and said “It’s been 14 years since I last visited Pakistan, a place with some of the most passionate fans in world cricket. Can’t wait to give it our best shot in bringing home the trophy”.
It’s been 14 years since I last visited Pakistan, a place with some of the most passionate fans in world cricket. Can’t wait to give it our best shot in bringing home the trophy with… https://t.co/LVTXgkj0ru
— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) March 6, 2019
He will be in action when Quetta Gladiators take on hosts Karachi Kings on March 10.
The Pakistan leg of PSL 2019 kicks off on March 9 with Lahore Qalandars taking on defending champions Islamabad United at the National Stadium. All PSL 4 matches to be held in Pakistan have been shifted to Karachi.
Read more: PSL 4: Fawad, Junoon , Aima to perform at opening ceremony
The decision had been made in light of logistics and airline schedules after the airspace closure owing to the security situation arising from India-Pakistan standoff. Lahore’s airspace was opened Sunday, 3rd March, whereas Karachi’s was opened on Friday, 1st March. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah says they are ready to host the matches in Karachi.
There were three PSL matches scheduled to be held in Lahore on March 9, 10 and 12 at the Gaddafi Stadium but now have been shifted to Karachi instead.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairperson Ehsan Mani said that the matches in Pakistan will begin on March 9 now. It was a difficult decision, he said. All the matches will be held at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Read more: PSL 4: “Heart of Karachiites beats for Karachi Kings”
The Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United will face off on March 9, while the Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators will take the field on March 10. Lahore will face the Multan Sultans on March 11. The Karachi Kings will also take the field on March 11 to face Peshawar Zalmi. The eliminators will be held on March 13, 14 and 15.
A meeting was held between PSL officials and the franchise owners in Dubai where it was decided to shift the matches to Karachi. Foreign players were also briefed on the security arrangements during the meeting.