"Embarrassing": Wasim Akram Fumes As PSL 2024 Playoffs See Low Turnout In Karachi
While the tournament saw almost packed scenes during the games in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan, there has been little to no attendance throughout the Karachi leg.
The ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is about to reach its conclusion with two games left to play, including the summit clash. The Mohammad Rizwan-led Multan Sultans have booked their place in Monday's final after beating Babar Azam's Peshawar Zalmi in the Qualifier. However, fans have raised concerns over the subdued atmosphere in Karachi for the PSL playoffs. On Friday, Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators faced off in Eliminator 1 in front of an almost empty National Cricket Stadium.
While the tournament saw almost packed scenes during the games in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan, there has been little to no attendance throughout the Karachi leg.
In fact, the subdued atmosphere in Karchi has become even more noticeable with the onset of Ramzan. According to ESPNcricinfo, the PSL officials have decided against relocating the remaining games.
Former Paksitan captain Wasim Akram said he was "embarrassed" to see no fans in Karachi for the playoffs.
"It was embarrassing to see no crowd in Karachi. There was no crowd, literally no crowd for last night's match," Akram said on A Sports.
Here's how Internet reacted:
NO CROWD ONCE AGAIN FOR THE PSL ELIMINATOR IN KARACHI. IT'S GETTING SILLY NOW. @TheRealPCB, PLEASE DO SOEMTHING. THIS BRODCAST GOES AROUND THE WORLD#HBLPSL9 #tapmad #HojaoAdFree @thePSLt20 pic.twitter.com/hrskXx7lSV
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) March 15, 2024
Wasim Akram said "It was embarrassing to see no crowd in Karachi. There was no crowd, literally no crowd for last night's match"
— Sahil_Mustafaa (@sahil_mustafa1) March 13, 2024
Hafeez said "There were more people in Fahad Mustafa's show Jeeto Pakistan than in National Stadium for PSL" #HBLPSL9 pic.twitter.com/szaeXevzhS
Biggest rivalry in PSL history
— (@Abdullahs_56) March 9, 2024
The home team is playing on weekends but not even the 30% crowd. #Karachi #KKvsLQ #HBLPSL2024 pic.twitter.com/tio2S3dSWb
Crowd in Karachi didn't show up for the PSL Qualifier 1 play-off between their 2 biggest superstars Babar Azam vs Muhammad Rizwan pic.twitter.com/HuU0hCBeFl
— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) March 15, 2024
Imagine no crowd even in PSL final.
— Taimur Shah (PZ) (@taimury0) March 14, 2024
For the unversed, this will be the first time a PSL final will be played on a Monday. All the previous eight editions saw the conclusion of the tournament on the weekend.
However, the PSL 2024 has a rest day on Sunday.
On Friday, Islamabad United defeated Quetta Gladiators in Eliminator 1. They will now take on Peshawar Zalmin in Eliminator 2 for a place in the final.
Schedule of remaining PSL matches
March 16, 2024, Eliminator 2 (Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi), National Bank Stadium
March 18, 2024, Final, National Bank Stadium
Peshawar Zalmi
Multan Sultans
Quetta Gladiators
Islamabad United