LAHORE: Defending champions Islamabad United face a tricky situation in their all-important match against Lahore Qalandars in Karachi on Saturday, as the HBL Pakistan Super League returns to Pakistan after 26 matches in the United Arab Emirates.
Islamabad — winners of the first edition in 2016 and then again in 2018 — are in an uncertain territory with eight points in nine games, and badly need a win to qualify for the playoffs for which Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi have already qualified.
In the case of a loss, the fate of the title-holders will rest on the results of Lahore’s last game against Multan Sultans and the two matches Karachi Kings will play against Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators.
PSL players starting landing in Karachi on Friday for the Pakistan-leg of the league. Some of the key international cricketers include Darren Sammy, Shane Watson, DJ Bravo, Sandeep Lamichhane, Rilee Rossouw, Luke Ronchi, Phillip Salt and Camron Delport.
Much anticipated Lahore Qalandars’ AB de Villiers did not come to Pakistan after he suffered a back injury and has been advised bed rest for two weeks.
On Thursday, Karachi police issued a traffic plan for the Pakistan-leg of the fourth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to be played at Karachi’s National Stadium from 9th March 2019.
According to the police, the road from Karsaz via Hasan Square to Agha Khan Hospital gate number 3 will remain closed for the commuters. Roads on the backside of the National Cricket Stadium will be closed for the commuters, however; the residents can use these routes by showing their original national identity cards.
Commuters can travel by using the routes of Agha Khan and Liaquat National Hospitals from New Town stop.
Shahraah-e-Faisal and Rashid Minhas road will remain open for traffic. Citizens travelling to Karsaz and Dalmia would have to use alternative routes.
The police diverted heavy traffic from Jail Chorangi and Laiquatabad routes.
Five parking areas were established to facilitate visitors. Four parking areas will be set up at the University Road and the fifth at Dalmia. University Road Parking areas include Sunday Bazaar Ground, Expo Center, Hakeem Saeed Ground, Federal Urdu University ground.
Visitors will be transported to the stadium from the parking area via shuttle service. The visitors are also asked to bring their tickets and original CNICs.
Police also asked visitors to contact their helpline 1915 or WhatsApp number +92-305-926-690-7 to avoid any inconvenience.
