Pakistan Super League: Let's not criticise foreign players for opting out of PSL final, Shoaib Akhtar tells Pakistani fans

New Delhi: At a time when lakhs of Pakistani cricket fans are miffed with numerous overseas players withdrawing from Pakistan Super League (PSL) final, former speedster Shoaib Akhtar has asked his countrymen to respect their decision.

English all-rounder Luke Wright became the latest high-profile cricketer to pull out of the final, which is scheduled to be played in Lahore.

Akhtar took to his Twitter account to thank all the foreign players who participated in the month-long Twenty20 tournament and asked the fans to do the same.

"Guys, let's not criticise foreign players opting out of PSL finals. I'd thank each one of them, would urge each one of u to do d same," he said.

Guys, let's not criticise foreign players opting out of PSL finals. I'd thank each one of them, would urge each one of u to do d same. — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 2, 2017

Pakistan have not hosted any international cricket tournaments since the terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009, but Shoaib was hopeful that the scenario could improve next year.

"This year Lahore is hosting PSL finals. Who knows we may have 2018 PSL opening ceremony in Lahore and finals in Karachi or Rawalpindi," Shoaib added.

This year Lahore is hosting PSL finals. Who knows we may have 2018 PSL opening ceremony in Lahore and finals in Karachi or Rawalpindi. — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 2, 2017

All the PSL matches were played in Dubai and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates until the final, which will be played in Lahore.

The final will be held under tight security after deadly blasts which rocked Lahore recently.

In a meeting held between the PSL management and the five franchise owners in Dubai, it was decided the summit clash of the tournament would be held in Lahore as per schedule.

It should be noted that Pakistan have not hosted any international cricket tournaments since the terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009, when six Pakistani Policemen were killed and some of the visiting players were injured.