PCB defends music-filled PSL closing ceremony despite Christchurch mosque attack

PCB chief Ehsan Mani tried to defend his decision of organising a lavish ceremony by asserting that ‘cricket must not be stopped due to terrorism’.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been facing massive criticism for organizing a music-filled PSL closing ceremony despite the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch. The board has been termed ‘insensitive’ for their move; however, president Ehsan Mani stated that celebration was actually ‘toned down’.

Mani tried to defend his decision of organising a lavish ceremony by asserting that ‘cricket must not be stopped due to terrorism’.

“We acknowledged the incident, observed a minute's silence, released pigeons and cut out dancing. All the songs too were iconic Pakistani songs,” said Mani.

He claimed that Pakistan is the worst victim of terrorism and cricket should not be stopped because of terrorism or terrorists. Mani said that the incident in New Zealand proves that terrorism is a global menace.

“We had a dilemma due to the unfortunate New Zealand incident. People forget that we are also victims of terrorism. Now the world knows what challenges are there. Pakistan's problems are no different from anyone else's.

“It doesn't mean we should gloat. We will work with them and share our experiences but cricket should not stop. If cricket stops due to terrorism then it's a victory for the terrorists. Players' safety is, of course, important and cannot be risked but the game must go on too.” Mani added.

Mani said the fourth edition of the PSL had been a big success with some 35 foreign players coming to Pakistan to play for their franchises.

“The comfort level of the foreign players while coming to Pakistan is different now from two years back. They now want to move and explore the city and meet the people. The most impressive bit was how the Karachi crowd supported us. Some 200,000 came to watch these matches, and from what I believe, 150 million saw the matches on TV,” said Mani