The ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League started with all the zeal and zest one could expect. But for some reason, this season wasn’t able to attract the hype it once used to. The redundancy and the same pattern over the years and the league’s failure to attract big names in the cricketing world are two major points of why people are slowly losing interest in their homegrown franchise cricket.
But this is not the reason why fans are saying to boycott PSL 2024. Let’s examine what compelled them to take such a stand.
Boycott PSL 2024: The Sponsors are Sponsoring a Genocide
Even after the commencement of the tournament, the chants of Boycott PSL 2024 continue, and why? Because KFC, whose parent company is Yum! Brand owned by an American citizen is an active supporter of Israel. Ever since the October 7 events, Israel has wreaked havoc on the Palestinian land of Gaza which has taken the lives of more than 28,000 Palestinian civilians of whom the majority are women and children.
When KFC was announced as the official partner of PSL, it didn’t go well with the supporters. Concerns were raised as to why a brand being actively boycotted by thousands around the world, especially in Pakistan was considered as a sponsor. While the world is mourning the death of innocent people, it was highly incautious of the Super League management to give patrons to the brand.
No official word has been said by the management so far. It is unlikely that any action will be taken given the event has already begun.
Politically involved PCB Chairman
Mohsin Naqvi the new chairman of PCB is also the former caretaker governor of Punjab. A man known for his corrupt practices and principles. His brutal take on the citizens of Pakistan during his short tenure is the second reason why people have turned their back on PSL. Even though ICC is stern about its stance on no political involvement within the cricket boards and far better options for heads were available, Naqvi was deemed the best option and for the followers, it doesn’t make any sense.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has become a joke lately. Changes in chairmanship, management and coaching staff have rendered the foundation of cricket in Pakistan weak. And with the new leadership, all hopes of betterment seem to dull away.
Fans take to X to announce Boycott
Fans and followers of Pakistan cricket took to X (former Twitter) to raise the slogans of boycott PSL 2024.
Having KFC as the official sponsor was probably the worst move by PSL management. Knowing it was being largely boycotted, they still thought it was a good idea to have them as partners. It’s also true that all else is secondary when big money is involved. Trading over the lifeless and mutilated bodies of innocent people should be a crime punishable by death. Only if the people involved had a conscience.
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