PSL 9: Empty stands turn talking point of tournament final

Pakistan Super League is termed as the country’s most sought-after tournament. There’s no denying the fact that the people revere cricket there as much as anywhere else. However, the ninth season of the PSL which concluded recently, highlighted a glaring aspect. Throughout the tournament, many matches attracted empty seats. This was evident through certain posts from the media people who had attended the games. But things worsened when the Final of the PSL 9 between Islamabad United and Multan Sultans too failed to draw spectators to the ground. The stadium was half empty and it cast a shadow on Pakistan’s prospects of creating a cricketing culture amongst the young generation.

Multan Sultan took on Islamabad United in the Final at the National Stadium in Karachi. These two teams represent the most renowned cities of Pakistan; however, the ultimate clash of the league was expected fans thronging the stadium. But, as it turns out, from the start of the game the spectator's galleries were empty. The ordeal could be defended as the ongoing Ramadan might play a crucial role in fans abstaining from attending the game.

Wasim Akram disappointed at the sight of empty stands 

This has been the scenario with most PSL games. The recently concluded, Eliminator 1 between the Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United attracted an almost empty stadium. The social media was abuzz with pictures of unoccupied seats from the National Cricket Stadium. Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram showed concern over the plight of the tournament and commented, that the sight of vacant stands was embarrassing.

"It was embarrassing to see no crowd in Karachi. There was no crowd, literally no crowd for last night's match,” said Akram on A Sports. 

Former Pakistan batter Mohammed Hafeez said "There were more people in Fahad Mustafa's show Jeeto Pakistan than in National Stadium for PSL"