Iftikhar Ali
NEW YORK, Dec 15 (APP): A large number of cricket fans gathered at the iconic Times Square in New York on Sunday evening to see the Pakistan Super League (PSL) trophy and meet Pakistani star cricketers despite the severely cold weather.
Earlier in the day, the New York region received its first snowfall that disrupted road traffic and made conditions hazardous for pedestrians. City authorities deployed dozens of snowloughs to clear the roads and get the traffic moving.
Sunday’s event was part of a global outreach strategy by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to raise the league’s international profile, attract foreign investors, and engage with fans in the US.
Several members of the Pakistan national cricket team attended the event, giving fans a unique opportunity to interact with them.
Also, present was the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi.
The players in attendance included Salman Ali Agha (T20I captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, and Saud Shakeel. Famed singer Ali Zafar, who has been associated with previous PSL anthems, was also in attendance.
This fan moment took place a day after an exclusive roadshow event for investors snd Pakistani community members held here.
The roadshow, the first-ever such an event in New York City, followed the one in London last week.
The Pakistani cricketers, wrapped up in woolies, came to the renowned square by a bus decorated with the national flag and were warmly cheered as they alighted from the vehicle. They signed autographs and took selfies with the fans.
Slogans of “Pakistan Zinda Bad” were raised as the green-crescent-and-star fluttered atop a building.
“I thank Allah that the PSL is today shining at the international level,” Chairman Naqvi has said .
