PSL teams face travel problems during Multan, Rawalpindi games-claims anti Multan lobby

MULTAN:Inspite of good arrangement at Multan by the administration and the organisers of 5th HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) and unprecedented enthusiasm by the cricket fans of South Punjab, some elements are complaining of lack of planning in organising the matches at two venues simultaneously has been creating problem for the participating teams in the 5th HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), especially in travelling matters during poor weather conditions. There was no rain Multan during the matches but a key official of a PSL franchise, speaking on condition of anonymity, told  that the rainy weather at Rawalpindi and Multan have created problems for his team as well as for other outfits on Friday. People of Multan sharply reacted on the utterance of an official of PSL and demanded a high level inquiry against him. They say that a powerful lobby was not agree to give matches to Multan ansd they were opposing at the last nick of time.
Karachi Kings were to travel to Rawalpindi for their next match while Quetta Gladiators were to travel on Friday to Multan to face Multan Sultans on Saturday. However, both teams were badly hampered by severe rainy and stormy weather. It was learnt that a special plane was hired to fly the teams to the two venues.
The show will now be shifted from Multan to Lahore while matches in Rawalpindi will continue.
With all the 34 matches being held in Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board should have kept all aspects and possibilities in view in order to smoothly stage all legs of the PSL V.
Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi, who had launched the PSL in 2016, also pointed out the flaws in PCB’s decision of holding matches in different cities on same day instead of adhering to the previous schedule implemented in the UAE. Sethi was of the view that by holding one-week matches in Karachi with all the teams staying in one city and then holding the next round in the other city with all teams travelling together, the PCB could have saved the teams and everyone a lot of unnecessary travelling and fatigue besides, of course, the expenses.

Approximately 80,000 fans crossed the turnstiles to welcome HBL Pakistan Super League in Multan. The three fixtures played across four days – which marked the first time of the league being held in Multan – saw rousing crowds at the 24,800-capacity Multan Cricket Stadium support not only the home side but also the touring parties.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had promised in 2019 to stage the HBL PSL, one of the most-watched T20 leagues across the globe, in Multan which is in line with its policy to take cricket in every nook and corner of the country and make the game accessible to fans all across the country.

For the very purpose, the PCB had earmarked PKR2billion for the renovation of the cricket stadiums in Multan and Rawalpindi, with a big chunk of it was invested on the Multan Cricket Stadium.

With the last international match in Multan being 12 years ago, that it was the right move was underscored by the humongous turnouts – which had almost the same number as in the stands waiting outside the gates to watch their cricketing heroes. Whether in post-match press conferences or in other interactions, both local and foreign squad members mentioned the resounding cheers of energetic fans.

Multan Sultans, the home team, made the four days memorable for the fans by winning all three matches against Peshawar Zalmi (six wickets), Karachi Kings (52 runs) and Quetta Gladiators (30 runs).

Andy Flower, the head coach of Multan Sultans, appreciated the home crowd support at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

 “Our stay in Multan has been a memorable one, thanks to the warmth and hospitality of the people of Multan,” Flower said. “The support of the crowd was phenomenal in all three games and I hope that the home fans are proud of the performances that we put up before them. “

“The atmosphere in the stadium was electric throughout all the matches and the fans showed great passion and love for the game. I would definitely rate this venue as one of the best ones in the world and look forward to coming back with Multan soon,” he added.

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said that the board’s next aim is to bring international cricket back to the city of Multan.

“High-profile cricket was returning to Multan after a long gap of 12 years and the people of Multan well and truly embraced its return. The scenes at the Multan Cricket Stadium were extraordinary and each and every fan in the stands made their presence felt by cheering every shot and wicket,” Wasim said. “These scenes, however, were not only limited to the stands. People in Multan have serious passion for cricket and one could feel that in every part of the city. “

 “These are the encouraging signs for the PCB and our next aim is to bring international cricket back to the city,” he added.