PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi 'surprised' by low turnout in PSL 2024 final

The ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) saw Islamabad United emerge as champions after outplaying Multan Sultans by two wickets in the final held at the National Stadium in Karachi on March 18.

One of the fundamental issues of the final showdown was the low attendance. It is worth noting that, it was not the first time a PSL game witnessed the lack of spectators as many other matches in the group stage and knockout stages attracted empty seats. 

Meanwhile, Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, was staggered at the low crowd turnout during the final match. Following the match, Naqvi was questioned about the spectators. He highlighted it as a matter of great concern as a major concern and confirmed that the board will look into it.

“The PCB will address this issue in the future. Why was the stadium empty in Karachi? This is a puzzle for me and also a big question? Many people came in Multan, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, and it is surprising for me why people did not come in Karachi. We are trying to find a solution to this," Naqvi said while speaking to the reporters after the match.

Also read: PSL 9: Empty stands turn talking point of tournament final

Islamabad United beat Multan Sultans to clinch third PSL title

Imad Wasim (5/23) and Shadab Khan (3/32) shone as Islamabad United outclassed Multan Sultans by two wickets in the final of the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Karachi. This marked United's third title in the prestigious T20 tournament. Meanwhile, their win means the Sultans have now lost three finals in a row.

Also read: Imad Wasim stars as Islamabad United beat Multan Sultans to clinch PSL 2024 title

After being put to bat first, the Sultans could only post 159 runs with Usman Khan, scoring 57 runs. For United, opener Martin Guptill scored a gritty half-century and helped his side chase down the target in the final delivery of the nail-biting thriller. Khushdil Shah and Iftikhar Ahmed were key for the Sultans, each claiming two wickets.