The 8th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) commenced with a glamorous opening ceremony on 13th February at the Multan International Cricket Stadium. Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans played in the opening match, and the defending champions secured a narrow victory over the hosts by a single run.
On the second day of the tournament, Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi competed at the National Bank Arena. The away side won by a margin of two runs. However, the mismanagement by the new Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) regime has raised serious doubts over its competency to host a significant event without issues.
During the second game, held in Karachi, the inefficiency of the Najam Sethi-led new PCB regime was evident. Fans who had purchased hospitality tickets worth Rs. 12,000 were deprived of the VVIP treatment they paid for through their hard-earned money.
The Era of Thugs! pic.twitter.com/KlWtN9Dke9
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The hospitality ticket holders were supposed to sit in the glass box on the top; however, the management made them sit in another enclosure whose ticket was worth Rs. 2,900. When the fans protested, the PCB officials claimed that they had entered the stadium beyond the stipulated time. Therefore, the management allowed some other people to sit in the VVIP seats. The fans claim that these influential individuals got VVIP treatment without paying the required amount of Rs. 12,000.
The incompetence of the new PCB regime has marred the PSL's reputation. Depriving fans of the VVIP treatment that they paid for is unacceptable, and it shows a disregard for the paying public.
The PCB must take immediate steps to rectify the situation and ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. If the new regime is unable to handle the responsibility of hosting such a significant event, they should step down and make way for more competent individuals who can deliver a seamless and enjoyable experience for the fans.
It is high time for the PCB to prioritize the needs of the fans and the reputation of the league over its own interests.
