Cricket comes home but why are the stadiums empty?

Pakistan Super League (PSL) got underway on February 20^th and despite the presence of major international cricketers, the tournament has failed to create enough buzz in Pakistan.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was quite worried about empty stands in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and were hoping for a better response when the tournament would come to Pakistan but unfortunately it failed to happen.

When the last three PSL finals took place in Pakistan, the enthusiasm of the Pakistan Cricket Board was overwhelmed by the extraordinary number of fans.

The PCB had anticipated that when this PSL would come to Pakistan as a whole, there would be no place to rest in the fields here but watching the first seven matches of the PSL edition 5, it looks like Pakistan has not met the expectations of the cricket board.

But WHY?

Back to back matches in Karachi

Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators have already expressed their reservations on the schedule of PSL matches and Karachi fans have not been happy with it as well.

A common opinion is that after the opening ceremony was completed at night, what was the rationale for having a match on Friday the next day? The match could have been played at night and the day match should have been scheduled in Lahore.

This is not the case for Saturday and Sunday matches in Karachi. The National Stadium Karachi was not jam packed with spectators during Friday and Saturday day matches as well.

The surprising thing is that Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, too, could not complete the house despite Friday night matches.

Australian leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed, who is playing for the Quetta Gladiators, said that employment is the first and foremost priority for the people in third-world countries.

“People were present at the opening ceremony but there were not as many people in the second innings of the first match as they had to go to work in the morning.”

He further said that, “In Australia, day matches are held on Saturdays and Sundays and matches are usually started in the evening. Therefore, schedule of the PSL should have been changed to night matches by extending a few more days.”

One of the biggest objections to the PSL schedule has been that it was launched on Thursday, which is a weekend in the UAE but is a working day in Pakistan.

The Tight Security Measures…?

Extreme security arrangements have been made for the PSL matches. These arrangements are far more stringent than the recent series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Although the shuttle service is available for the spectators, they still have to walk a good distance which is still not easy for them to reach the stadium.

They have to go through various stages of searching, identification of cards and tickets which is one of the reasons why the audience is fewer than expected. Fans cannot bring food items to the ground but ironically, the food is being charged inside at a double rate.

Talking about Karachi, people residing near the National Stadium are locked up at homes during the matches. The entire area is presented with a curfew scene when the match is taking place as the shops are closed and all lanes leading to the stadium have been sealed with water tankers and containers and the general public is not allowed to maneuver.

Similarly, other roads around the stadium are closed for general traffic during matches.

So, in order to facilitate the general public, Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Cricket Board should consider these points and come up with some solutions so that people show up in large numbers.

Stay tuned to Baaghi TV for more updates!