The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been a quality league, delivering two great games in the tournament’s first two days. However, the PSL has not just been limited to the action on the pitch to impress fans; this time, PSL won everyone’s hearts with a great initiative off the field. In a post-game video from Game 2 of the PSL, the players from both Peshawar Zalmi and the Karachi Kings are seen cleaning the stadium after the game.
In the video, Zalmi skipper and Pakistan national team captain Babar Azam can be seen picking up used water bottles and setting them aside for other involved players to collect in a dustbin. This initiative from the PSL players is said to be inspired by the Japanese fans’ actions during the FIFA World Cup. Notably, Japanese fans at the Qatar FIFA World Cup made headlines last year when they cleaned the stands after a World Cup game.
Here’s a video of the initiative:
Had to share this. PSL team members and the national team captain cleaning the stadium after the match. We all appreciate Team Japan after they cleaned the stadiums in FIFA World Cup. It's similar to that.#PSL8#CricketTwitterpic.twitter.com/9uNv6kWLzR
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) February 16, 2023
The PSL produced two back-to-back nail-biting T20 games
The PSL opener featured Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans, a match that Qalandars clinched by one single run. The Multan Sultans missed out on their target of 176 runs, falling short by a narrow two runs. Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan’s show with the willow kept the fans well-entertained as Sultans’ leg-spinner, Usama Mir, displayed clinical bowling with two scalps in his four overs, conceding just 25 runs.
In game 2, the Karachi Kings won the toss, forcing Zalmi to bat first. Riding on skipper Babar Azam’s 68 off 46 and Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s exceptional 92 off 50, the Zalmi set a target of 200 runs for the Kings. In reply, the Kings got off to a shaky start, with opener Sharjeel Khan dismissed for a golden duck. Luckily, Shoaib Malik and skipper Imad Wasim were in their element as they tried to rescue the Kings’ innings, getting them closer to the target but fell short by just three runs at the end. Matthew Wade, with 23, was the top scorer in their top order.
Game 3 was a straight-forward 9-wicket win for Multan Sultans against the Quetta Gladiators. The next game scheduled in the PSL will be played between Karachi Kings and Islamabad United on Thursday.
Here are some top tweets reacting to PSL players’ noble initiative:
Haye ????????aik hi Dil hai Babar kitni bar jeeto gay ????????
— fatimah?? (@sayyedah56) February 16, 2023
Ek hi Dil hai kitni baar jeetogay Babar
— Umar Iqbal ® (@MrUmarIqbal) February 16, 2023
Yeh Babar cleaning se ziyada utha kar doosri jagah pheenk raha hai
— Sana Muhammadali (@SanaMuhammadal5) February 16, 2023
Paise nahi hai staff ko Dene ke liye….isliye khud kar rahe hai. Inko free me karna pad rah hai. Aur…Japan ka culture hai. Ye Pakistan hai…Inka nature hi Gand failana hai
— Logan Steel (@LoganSt74756360) February 16, 2023
safayi karne walo ka paisa Babar ke PR pe kharcha karega PSL to safai khud hi karni padegi na
— Alok Shukla (@fcukTweetr) February 16, 2023
Our pride Muhammad Babar Azam Siddique
— Jayzee (@Jayzee88378771) February 16, 2023
It clearly shows we are truly an sport's nation. Good job King Babar ?
— ??????? (@zulfir0cks) February 16, 2023
Peechey yeh music kya dalla hua h bro??
— The Back Bencher (@TheBack30096832) February 16, 2023
