LAHORE - The resumption of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) following a brief suspension due to cross-border tensions has been hailed as a powerful symbol of national resilience. Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja condemned India’s targeting of the Rawalpindi Stadium during the escalation, calling it a “cowardly act” and a blatant attempt to politicize sport.
“Cricket grounds are sacred and no honourable nation attacks cricket or water,” Ramiz said while speaking at the Youm-e-Tashakur (Thanksgiving Day) ceremony organized by the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA), celebrating the Pakistan Armed Forces’ successful defence in the Markha-e-Haq operation.“In just four days, Pakistan has united like never before,” he added. “From crisis emerged an opportunity and Pakistan rose as a hero.”
The event was attended by leading sports journalists including Abdul Mohi Shah, Shakeel Awan, Faheem Anwar Khan, Afzal Javed, Shahryar Khan, Nasir Naqvi, Zulfiqar Baig, and Shakir Abbasi, along with a large number of RISJA members.
Ramiz further expressed disappointment over the stagnation in Pakistan cricket despite its vast potential. “Every Pakistani is a stakeholder in this game. Cricket brings respect, and it is our collective duty to elevate it to the heights it deserves.”
Pakistan Super League CEO Salman Naseer echoed Ramiz’s sentiments and emphasized how PSL’s continuation was more than just about sport, it was a statement of national strength.“When a drone crashed outside the Rawalpindi Stadium, we instantly knew how grave the situation had become,” he recalled.
“Initially, we considered relocating the PSL to the UAE. But once a ceasefire was announced, we kept foreign players in Dubai and quickly mobilized to resume the league. It was a bold message: Pakistan will not be intimidated.”Salman further criticized India for failing to uphold the separation of politics and sport, saying, “Pakistan has always maintained that boundary. India blurred it.”
Senior sports journalists Abdul Mohi Shah and Shakeel Awan also paid tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces and praised the sports journalism fraternity for standing firm. “Our forces gave India a befitting reply. The world saw it. As sports journalists, we too sent a strong message: cricket in Pakistan will not be silenced,” they said.
RISJA ELECTION SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA) has announced the schedule for its 2025–26 elections. According to Election Committee Chairman Shahryar Khan, nomination papers for the positions of President, Senior Vice President, Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer and Joint Secretaries can be obtained from the election committee and submitted by 7:00 PM on May 23 at the National Press Club (NPC), Islamabad. The preliminary list of candidates will be displayed on May 24 after scrutiny. Objections and withdrawal of nomination papers can be submitted until 7:00 PM on May 25. The final list of candidates will be issued on May 26, while polling will take place on Tuesday, May 27, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the National Press Club, Islamabad.Former President of National Press Club, Shahryar Khan, is serving as Chairman of RISJA Election Committee while committee members include Asim Jilani and Rana Farhan Aslam.
