Finally, after years of agonizing patience and coping with isolation from the international cricketing world, the PSL emerges to bat for Pakistan cricket. Seeing the reality of Pieterson, Watson, and Gayle boasting in Quetta, Islamabad, and Lahore kits is almost like a dream that seemed too distant to accomplish. Even though the inaugural event is taking place across the beaches of Karachi and beyond the Arabian Sea in the Emirates, the hearts of the Pakistani people are captivated by the quenching of thirst that has occurred by the PSL bursting onto the scene. The stadiums of Lahore and Karachi may be empty and even though the drought continues for the reemergence of international cricket in Pakistan, the PSL has sparked a positive light that has begun a new chapter for Pakistan cricket.

Majority of fans seemed to have fully supported the Peshawar Zalmi because of the city’s resiliency and courage in facing the challenges of war and conflict. In the aftermath of the Army Public School attacks in 2014, I think it was an amazing gesture by International T20 and Peshawar Zalmi Captain, Shahid Afridi, to sponsor youths of KP province to witness the inaugural and mega event in the UAE. The stadiums of Dubai and Sharjah have been the extended home grounds of Pakistan cricket and it was the right move by the PCB to launch this event in the UAE as opposed to Qatar. To see the involvement of legends like Vivian Richards, Imran Khan, and Wasim Akram actively supporting the new clubs is a great motivation for Pakistan’s future cricket. Even the ability for players to sit in dugouts with the likes of Sangakarra, Tait, and Sammy provides the next generation of Pakistani cricketers with the opportunity to mingle with cricketing giants in order to attain inspiration.

Seeing the aggression of the cricketing clubs as they clash in the desert of the Emirates to win the first trophy has been a joy for cricketing fans across the world. Apart from witnessing sixes being smashed and stumps being rocked, the most important aspect of the PSL is it being a new era for Pakistani fans to have faith in their country’s cricket and future. Although, Islamabad United became champions, the real victor of the PSL was Pakistan itself.