PSL Final To Help Boost Country's Economy: Experts

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Feb, 2017 ) : Country's economic experts believe Pakistan Super League's (PSL) final in Lahore will help boost country's economy by bringing tourism, particularly sports tourism.

A huge amount of money would be circulated during the event, resulting in tremendous increase in the government's revenue. "This will not be just a match or a final. It'll project a soft image of Pakistan in the world and help restore foreign investors' confidence.

I'm sure after the event more and more foreign investors will take interest to invest in our country," president Islamabad Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Khalid Iqbal Malik told APP Tuesday.

"Look at India; after the introduction of Indian Premier League (IPL) and other sports' leagues their economy has witnessed an increase. This happens everywhere in the world. I believe this event is going to help our economy a lot also," he added.

He said businesses of sports, textile industry, advertisements, airlines, hotels and restaurants would witness an upsurge with the arrival of players and cricket fans. Some other experts said the event would be a source of great uplift for development of sports tourism and indigenous culture of Pakistan.

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Vice President Manzoor Ul Haq talking to a private channel said around four thousand events take place in the entire world annually, and lobbying to host the mega events takes several years even by the developed countries.

He termed sports events necessary for economic and cultural development. Renowned economic expert Dr Qais Aslam said economy of a country was directly linked with its security situation. Hosting the PSL final in Lahore would send a very strong message to the world that Pakistan was a peaceful and sports loving country.

This would encourage foreign investors to come in Pakistan and invest in various sectors here, he added. Meanwhile, fans in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have expressed joy and happiness at the Punjab government's decision to hold the PSL final in Lahore.

They hoped that the final would be staged in a successful way, which would pave the way for revival of international cricket in the country. "I'm sure the final will be held in a peaceful manner.

This will send a strong message to the world. I hope soon after the final, international cricket activities will return to the country," Idress Ahmed, a cricket fan told APP at Faizabad Rawalpindi.

He seemed enthusiastic and said he and his friends were planning to witness the final in Lahore. "I hope the final will be a big success. We'll be moving to Lahore to witness the final," he enthusiastically said.

Anwar-ul-Haq, another cricket lover appreciating the decision urged that the Pakistan Cricket Board should try to hold next edition of the PSL in Pakistan. "If all matches are not possible then at least play-offs of the next edition should be held in other major cities also," he said.

He said he was sure the foreign players would also visit Pakistan to play the final. "The board is making efforts. Our government has assured foolproof security to the players. I tell you they'll be coming to play," he said of foreign players.

Zeeshan Ahmed, a cricket fan at Islamabad's Aabpara Market said the decision would augur well for Pakistan cricket. "It will be a clear message that we are a peaceful nation and a handful of terrorists could not blackmail us," he remarked.