PSL 2020 and why it is so good for Pakistan.

Byline: Ali H Gokal

It has been a difficult few years for Pakistan and by most parts, most difficult for a vast majority of its population that lives day by day on the very thin edge between survival and complete destituteness. Life is a slow grind for most and hope for a better future no longer a reliable mental refuge. The global menaces of inequality, political and religious polarisation, unemployment and poorly managed welfare systems are no strangers to Pakistan, and it is not often that people of varying social, political and economic standing can unite and find enjoyment and solace in the same thing.

PSL version 2020 seems to be just that little more special than before. Sports is a religion the world over and we have been truly starved. Besides the pure entertainment that is the 20/20 format, there are several socio-economic benefits that accrue automatically alongside the entertainment.

While the financial numbers for the PSL are pale compared to the IPL, it nevertheless provides a source of additional employment, revenue, increased consumer demand and all things going well, a possibility of regular international cricket being played in Pakistan which in turn should assist PCB in the development and growth of cricket at the grass roots.

At a social and development level, it is interesting to note that The Commonwealth Secretariat in its report on the role of sports in the developing...

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