Lahore Qalandars are set to face Multan Sultans in the PSL qualifier at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday. AFP
Lahore Qalandars are set to face Multan Sultans in the PSL qualifier at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday. AFP
Lahore Qalandars are set to face Multan Sultans in the PSL qualifier at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday. AFP
Lahore Qalandars are set to face Multan Sultans in the PSL qualifier at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday. AFP

Will PSL 2023 playoffs go ahead following political unrest in Lahore?


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The Pakistan Super League enters its final stretch on Wednesday with a qualifier between title holders Lahore Qalandars and an in-form Multan Sultans. However, the political situation in the country has put a question mark over the four remaining games of the T20 tournament.

Former prime minister Imran Khan defied attempts to arrest him and remained in his house in Lahore as thousands of his supporters clashed with police.

Supporters of Mr Khan threw bricks at police, who used clubs and teargas for a second day on Wednesday as officers tried to arrest him for failing to appear in court on various charges.

Violence was also reported between Mr Khan's supporters and police in Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and other parts of Pakistan.

The situation escalated this week, coinciding with the final leg of the PSL that is being held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Will the PSL playoffs go ahead as scheduled?

On Wednesday, the Pakistan Super League announced that the qualifier will held in Lahore as per schedule. However, reports from Pakistan state that the situation is tense and evolving constantly.

On Tuesday evening, teams cancelled their practice session in Lahore. The PSL and franchises are monitoring the situation and are expected to remain flexible as the situation unfolds.

A supporter of former Prime Minister Imran Khan hurls back a tear gas shell fired by riot police during clashes in Lahore on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. AP
A supporter of former Prime Minister Imran Khan hurls back a tear gas shell fired by riot police during clashes in Lahore on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. AP

What happens next?

In case the situation in Lahore is deemed not conducive for the playoffs, Karachi could get to host the remaining games. This despite Karachi having endured a major terror attack last month, which led to uncertainty over the league before cricket chief and veteran administrator Najam Sethi ensured the tournament remains on track.

PSL 2023 remaining fixtures

Wednesday, March 15

Qualifier 1: Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (6pm UAE time)

Thursday, March 16

Eliminator: Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi, Lahore (6pm)

Friday, March 17

Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 v Winner of Eliminator, Lahore (6pm)

Saturday, March 18

Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (6pm)

All matches will be shown on Starzplay in the UAE.

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

THE BIO

Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain

Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude

Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE

Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally

Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science

Results

6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah Group Two (PA) US$55,000 (Dirt) 1,600m; Winner: Rasi, Harry Bentley (jockey), Sulaiman Al Ghunaimi (trainer).

7.05pm: Meydan Trophy (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,900m; Winner: Ya Hayati, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

7.40pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: Bochart, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

8.15pm: Balanchine Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m; Winner: Magic Lily, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: Waady, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.

9.25pm: Firebreak Stakes Group Three (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.

10pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m; Winner: Eynhallow, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby.

While you're here
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
The%20Kitchen
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EDaniel%20Kaluuya%2C%20Kibwe%20Tavares%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EKane%20Robinson%2C%20Jedaiah%20Bannerman%2C%20Hope%20Ikpoku%20Jnr%2C%20Fiona%20Marr%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
  • George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
  • Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
  • Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
  • Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills. 
Hunting park to luxury living
  • Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
  • The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
  • Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

 

Dates for the diary

To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:

  • September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
  • October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
  • October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
  • November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
  • December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
  • February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.

Opening day UAE Premiership fixtures, Friday, September 22:

  • Dubai Sports City Eagles v Dubai Exiles
  • Dubai Hurricanes v Abu Dhabi Saracens
  • Jebel Ali Dragons v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

Updated: March 16, 2023, 2:39 PM