Luke Wright recently pulled out of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2017 final which is scheduled to be held in Lahore on March 5. Not just him, but almost every foreign player refused to travel to Pakistan to play in PSL 2017 final. Even his teammates Kevin Pietersen and Tymal Mills refrained from playing in the T20 league’s final.
Wright plays for Quetta Gladiators who clinched a nail-biter by a single run against Shahid Afridi’s Peshawar Zalmi to reach the playoffs. After deciding on his availability on the final, Wright thanked his fans on Twitter and apologised to them for not participating in the final. Wright tweeted his message in three tweets to which a disappointed fan cursed Wright for refusing to play at Lahore.
Teams have refrained from touring Pakistan after the attack on Sri Lankan team on March 2, 2009, which injured several players. Since then Pakistan Cricket Board has suffered a huge amount of financial loss as Pakistan have been playing their home matches in UAE. Even the PSL 2016 was held in UAE only. This is the first time a PSL final has been scheduled in Pakistan and the decision has attracted lot of criticism.
It’s with a heavy heart I will not be coming to Lahore. I have a young family and for me a game of cricket is just not worth the risk 1/3
— Luke Wright (@lukewright204) February 28, 2017
Despite the Twitterati’s lack of respect for Wright, he replied to him in a polite manner, but if one reads his response carefully they could sense the sarcasm from the Englishman. Wright had opted out of the final following the security reasons stated by Britain’s Foreign Office.
I’m sorry as I know how much it means to you all and hopefully in the future the safety will not be in doubt to come play there. 2/3
— Luke Wright (@lukewright204) February 28, 2017
Thanks once again to @TeamQuetta and @thePSLt20 for having me. Such lovely people. Great tournament with so much talent. See u soon 3/3
— Luke Wright (@lukewright204) February 28, 2017
Wright had played for Quetta Gladiators for only one match in the league in which he scored a low score of 12. But, he would have been a great asset to the team considering the fact that he struck two half-centuries on the trot in Big Bash League (BBL) 2016-17.
Fuck of you twat ! Millions live in this city and we all have families too. We are a peaceful nation and you will see that !! https://t.co/dPuYCTeY2Z
— Mustafa Khalid Lone (@mustafa_lone) March 1, 2017
Not sure you are very peaceful with a message like that!! https://t.co/oFRLCyV0ek
— Luke Wright (@lukewright204) March 1, 2017
Not only England players but Shane Watson, Kumar Sangakkara, Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy and many more foreign players have pulled out of the tournament final.
