ISLAMABAD: The chief of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) applauded Islamabad United for bagging the trophy in the final of the Pakistan Super League's (PSL) third season, Geo News reported.

"Peshawar Zalmi also deserve praise for playing a wonderful game," said Imran Khan, after Islamabad United ruthlessly topped Zalmi.

Noting how the nation enjoyed spectating a good faceoff, Khan commented: "Pakistanis' love for and commitment to cricket is incomparable."

The PTI head also explained how the people of Pakistan are hopeful for the proper return of international cricket soon.

"I congratulate both teams in the PSL final," he added.

Return of the cricket

The final is seen as a major step towards reviving international cricket in Pakistan that had been suspended since the 2009 attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore.

Sunday's final was watched by a packed crowd of 33,000, including Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah.

Karachi became the second major venue to host international matches after Lahore hosted five others against Zimbabwe in 2015, as well as the PSL final in March last year, three World XI matches in September, and another against Sri Lanka a month later.

The first 31 matches of the PSL were again played in Dubai and Sharjah before the two play-offs in Lahore, highlighting the improvement in security situation in the country.