RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Pakistan Super League (PSL) Project Manager Naila Bhatti was seen begging rangers and army officials not to flood in an apparently empty VIP Gallery during the PSL final that was declared dangerous by NESPAK here on Sunday at National Stadium.

“It has been declared dangerous and your CM is sitting under this roof. You cannot sit in here,” an infuriated Bhatti was telling LEA officials without any outcome.

Apart from CM, corps commander, DG Rangers, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Sindh Government officials watched the match under the gallery that has been declared ‘dangerous’ by NESPAK.

According to Bhatti, the place above the pavilion was to be used only for a few artists, who performed in the ceremony before the final.

However, the ranger and army officials flooded the area that apparently looked like VIP lounge.

PCB has hired NESPAK for quick renovation for PSL final at National Stadium and it has planned to have properly re-hauled in the next stage.

The National Stadium has the honour of hosting 41 test matches, 46 One Day Internationals and one T-20. Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Najam Sethi gave approval for the construction plan of the National Stadium with Rs1.5 billion.

NESPAK project head Aslam Bhutto had said the cost of the project can also increase. NESPAK Architect head Rizwan Hanif had said that for the completion of the National Stadium project 15 months were required but they were given three months before the PSL final.

He said during the three months time period, his team has completed 40 percent of the work. He, however, added that during the final, the chairman box in the main building will remain shut.

Hanif had said that the ceiling above the chairman box has completed its time, although he dismissed concerns that it is likely to fall.

He had said that due to precautionary measure the chairman box will remain closed. Hanif said for the ceiling of the stadium of the stadium Teflon fabric has been brought from Germany, however, owing to shortage of time the fabric will not be used in ceilings.

The spectators had to bear immense sunlight heat as many of them reached for final before 5:00 PM – the time fixed for closing of the entrance gates, because of non-installation of shades.

A K-Electric worker has also reported to have collapsed and died at National Stadium due to heat.