HBL Pakistan Super League: Intriguing battle in store as Qalandars, Sultans clash for spot in final.

LAHORE -- Political unrest in Lahore on Tuesday forced both Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans to cancel their training sessions. It's hardly the buildup the two latest winners of the Pakistan Super League would've wanted ahead of their clash in the Qualifier on Wednesday.

Both defending champions Qalandars and Sultans, the 2021 winners, were unable to travel to the Gaddafi Stadium for their practice on the eve of the game and it forced Pakistan Cricket Board's interim management committee chairman Najam Sethi to send out a tweet to the Punjab government to ensure security as the eighth season of the PSL enters its business end.

Lahore turned into a battlefield on Tuesday as clashes erupted between riot police and supporters of Imran Khan as authorities moved to arrest the former prime minister. It is understood that the PCB is in touch with security agencies and there is no real concern regarding the staging of the Qualifier.

But appealing to Punjab chief minister Mohsin Naqvi, Sethi tweeted on T: 'PSL 8 multi-million dollar final on 19 March will be played before 25k people at Gaddafi Stadium and 100m across the globe. This is Pakistan's finest showcase. Punjab government must ensure failsafe security and smooth traffic flow to facilitate people's access to the stadium.'

The winner of Wednesday's clash will advance to the final with the loser having a second chance to reach the title clash in Eliminator 2 on Friday.

Qalandars won their maiden PSL title by beating the Sultans in the final last season and have won four of their last five head-to-head games. But past performance will count for little come Wednesday with both...