Following the successful conclusion of the 2019 Pakistan Super League (PSL), Ehsan Mani has expressed his hope of hosting the entire 2020 edition on Pakistan soil.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman was on hand to witness a packed crowd for the final at the National Stadium in Karachi on Sunday. The final between Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi was the eighth match of the 2019 edition to be staged on Pakistan soil and the overwhelming response has given Mani renewed optimism for the next edition of the tournament.

“Next year we look forward to welcome you back with all the PSL matches in Pakistan,” Mani said in his address to the crowd on Sunday.

“Today for Pakistan, especially for Karachi, it’s a historic day. Since PSL is in Karachi, over 200,000 spectators witnessed the games at the stadium and millions witnessed on TV and digital platform.

“The biggest reward should be given to the people of Karachi, the way you people have supported and embraced PSL 4 here in your city. The love and support was extraordinary.”

The Karachi leg of PSL 2019 saw a remarkable turnout from the various overseas stars of the six franchises in stark contrast to last year where many foreign players had backed out from travelling to Pakistan due to security concerns.

This year, all six franchises went in with a near full-strength overseas contingent to Pakistan with the likes of Shane Watson, Kieron Pollard and Colin Ingram leading the way.

“Finally, I would like to say that all overseas players, officials and technical support teams, you have seen yourself the passion and love for cricket in Pakistan. Next year we look forward to welcome you back with all the PSL matches in Pakistan,” Mani said to conclude.

The bulk of the PSL is currently still being staged in the UAE. The inaugural edition in 2016 was held entirely in the UAE while the final in 2017 was held in Lahore amidst tight security. In 2018, three matches including the final and two Eliminators were held in Pakistan.