Written By: Adam Haidermota
One year on, the PSL Final is set to return to Karachi’s National Stadium where thousands of eyes within the stadium and millions of eyes across the world are set to tune into what has fast become one of cricket’s most exciting annual affairs.
Most PSL matches are played in the UAE due to security concerns, but as the situation improves, the Pakistan government and PCB are bringing more and more games back to Pakistan. Last year’s tournament saw the two semi finals being played in Lahore and the final in Karachi. This year, Karachi got a treat with 8 matches to be played in the city. With 13,000 policemen and rangers on guard, support from all quarters, and the love and gratitude of the Pakistani people, these matches are set to be an incredible experience for a city that craves for – and has been deprived of – top-class cricket.
Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi have dominated the tournament so far and emerge as favorites. However, in Karachi this past weekend, the Karachi Kings showed their abilities by defeating the table topping Quetta. Just the day before, Islamabad United managed to put on an enthralling performance in which their batting side showed its might by scoring a whopping 238 runs against the Lahore Qalandars. Looking at the state of the points table, the Qalandars and Multan Sultans are out of the tournament. Whichever of the other four reaches the final is anyone’s guess but it will undoubtedly be an unmissable game.
Karachi’s incredible crowds, known for performing perfect waves, flashing their cell phone lights to the music and leaping to catch sixes smashed into the stands, are always a spectacle to behold. Being a part of these crowds at National Stadium is an unforgettable experience for those who attend. The increased hype which comes with a major league final is bound to amplify the experience even further.
This is without a doubt one of Karachi’s most spectacular annual events and even if one cannot get the coveted tickets to watch it in the stadium, they can still cash in on the excitement. TV screens across Karachi will tune into the final, as all will celebrate the normalcy that will descend on our city that is anything but.
Pro Tips for attendees:
On your ticket, you will be assigned to a stand. Within the stand, you can sit anywhere. In order to get the best seats, plan to arrive early.
The National Stadium has a tall fence separating the field from spectators. Try to sit higher up so the fence doesn’t impede your viewing experience.
Take your selfies before the match or during the halftime break. In that split second, you could miss a crucial wicket or a smashing six. Also, if you stand up for your picture, you’re blocking the view of those sitting behind you.
Check the traffic reports! Many roads have been closed and the government has provided clear instructions on how to best arrive at the stadium, and where to park.
The journey to the stadium involves a lot of traffic, a shuttle ride from the parking lot, a fair amount of walking, and a lot of security checks. As such, plan to reach the parking lot at least an hour before the match starts. Leave earlier if you want good seats.
