KEY POINTS
- Australian presenter, Erin Holland, celebrates local fashion, food, and historic landmarks
- The return of overseas players showcased their trust in Pakistan and added global flair to the final stages
- David Warner and Rilee Rossouw praised Pakistan’s hospitality, security, and passionate cricket culture
- PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi declares PSL 10 a symbol of national unity and peace
ISLAMABAD: The 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) concluded on Sunday night with a thrilling final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where Lahore Qalandars emerged victorious in a pulsating contest.
However, beyond the cricketing drama, PSL 10 will be remembered for something far greater — the unyielding spirit of Pakistan cricket and the heartening return of international players amid regional tensions.
Australian presenter and TV host Erin Holland didn’t just cover PSL 10 — she lived it, breathed it, and fell head over heels for the spirit of Pakistan.
From April’s opening match to the nail-biting final on May 25, Erin was more than just a familiar face on the presentation stage.
She immersed herself fully in the culture, exploring the historical charm of Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Multan, all while proudly donning traditional shalwar-qameez throughout most of her journey.
On the grand night of the PSL X final, she dazzled in a maroon kurta-pajama set adorned with silver embellishments.
Earlier in Lahore, she was spotted at a roadside tea stall in an aqua-blue ensemble, sipping — and even preparing — chai, which she enthusiastically declared “absolutely delicious,” vowing to take her new tea-making skills back to Australia.
At Badshahi Mosque, she lit up her surroundings in a stunning, shocking-pink embroidered kurta and farshi trousers, capturing the hearts of fans with her grace and cultural appreciation.
In Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, she turned heads with a glamorous catwalk in ivory silk, decorated with delicate cross-stitched roses. “Couldn’t help but fall in love with this Farshi beauty,” she gushed on social media.
Her journey through Pakistan wasn’t just scenic – it was flavourful. She raved about the “best biryani” in Karachi, went on a shopping spree in Saddar Bazaar, and explored gems like Saidpur Village and the ancient Shah Allah Ditta caves in Islamabad.
Through her words and wardrobe, Erin Holland celebrated Pakistan’s warmth, tradition, and cricketing passion — a testament to her unforgettable PSL adventure and the love she found in every corner of the country.
The tournament had faced an unexpected interruption earlier in the season when political tensions flared between Pakistan and neighbouring India, prompting several overseas players to briefly return home due to security concerns.
The future of PSL 10 appeared uncertain at the time. Yet, in a strong show of confidence and solidarity, a majority of those players made their way back to Pakistan as the situation stabilized.
Their comeback not only revived the spirit of the tournament but also led to some unforgettable performances in the final leg of PSL 10.
Fittingly, it was two overseas stars — Sri Lanka’s Kusal Perera and Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza — who played match-winning roles for Lahore Qalandars, guiding the franchise to their third PSL title on May 26 at Gaddafi Stadium.
Earlier, on May 17 and 18, international players from all six franchises returned to action: Peshawar Zalmi welcomed back Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Max Bryant, Luke Wood, and Daniel Sams; Karachi Kings saw the return of Ben McDermott, David Warner, James Vince, Mohammad Nabi, and Tim Seifert; Multan Sultans were joined by Peter Hatzoglou and Dilshan Madushanka; Quetta Gladiators featured Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Finn Allen, and Rilee Rossouw; Islamabad United fielded Alex Hales, Rassie van der Dussen, Ben Dwarshuis, Tymal Mills, and James Neesham; while Lahore Qalandars regrouped with Kusal Perera, Sikandar Raza, Shakib Al Hasan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Rishad Hossain.
Their return and performances underscored the league’s international appeal and Pakistan’s status as a passionate, resilient, and peace-loving cricketing nation.
Star Australian batter, David Warner, the skipper of Karachi Kings (KK), following KK’s exit from PSL X, took a moment to reflect not just on the match, but on his experience in Pakistan — and his words were filled with admiration and gratitude.
Warner, who brought energy and experience to the Kings’ campaign, praised the spirit and dedication of his teammates, singling out pacer Hasan Ali for his humility and work ethic.
“These guys are incredible,” Warner said. “Their commitment during every practice session was commendable. Hasan Ali, in particular, is one of the most humble players I’ve had the pleasure of playing alongside.”
Beyond the dressing room, Warner was equally impressed by the atmosphere and hospitality he experienced in Pakistan.
“The support from the crowd was amazing. I really want to thank everyone in the stands for showing up,” he said. “The security was fantastic, and overall, I’ve had a great time in Pakistan. I’ll definitely be coming back.”
South African batter Rilee Rossouw lauded the hospitality extended to overseas players in Pakistan, describing it as “second to none.”
He noted that the people are “amazing” and “humble,” and that players are treated like “kings.” Rossouw emphasized the strong bond between players and the competitive spirit of the league, stating, “The hospitality is second to none, it’s a fantastic place to be.”
Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi hailed the successful completion of PSL 10 as a symbol of a peaceful and resilient Pakistan. In a statement, he expressed deep gratitude to the Pakistan Army, Rangers, police, and administrative staff for their vital role in ensuring the event’s success and security.
Naqvi especially thanked military leadership for attending matches and lifting national morale, while highlighting the league’s resumption after the Rawalpindi attack as a major challenge that was met with unity and courage.
He called PSL 10 not just a cricketing success, but a national triumph, marking a defeat for the forces of fear and a celebration of the Pakistani spirit. He also praised the fans for their passionate and disciplined support throughout the tournament.
With Lahore Qalandars lifting the trophy and overseas players leaving with fond memories, PSL 10 concluded as a celebration of unity, resilience, and the shared joy of cricket, reaffirming that Pakistan, despite challenges, remains a proud, peaceful, and hospitable nation on the global sports stage.
