Has the standard of Cricket in PSL Season 8 been poor?

[Savak]

According to some, the PCB for producing too many placid batting tracks in this year's PSL which is evidenced by the fact that we have had 16 scores of 200 plus in this years PSL and that the bowlers have generally suffered.

This way the PSL is becoming just like any other T-20 league out there whereas in the past, the PSL was known for a good balance between bat and ball. He also criticized the players for being too friendly with each other and for lacking that spark to perform and compete.

 

[sweep_shot]

Pitches seem poor this time.

When both teams score 240, you know pitch is faulty.

 

[MenInG]

According to some, the PCB for producing too many placid batting tracks in this year's PSL which is evidenced by the fact that we have had 16 scores of 200 plus in this years PSL and that the bowlers have generally suffered.

This way the PSL is becoming just like any other T-20 league out there whereas in the past, the PSL was known for a good balance between bat and ball. He also criticized the players for being too friendly with each other and for lacking that spark to perform and compete.

We used to cry when we had low scoring games. Now we are crying when games are high-scoring?

 

[topspin]

I prefer higher scoring games. T20s heavily favour the batsmen and we need to see which upcoming batsman can score runs in conditions where they can accumulate some time at the crease.

I certainly don't miss the 130-150 run contests in Abu Dhabi. Those slow wickets aren't going to improve the batsmen where there is at least one delivery each over which has their name on it.

The issue is some of the boundaries are too small. Rawalpindi and Multan grounds appear to be much easier when it comes to hitting sixes.

 

[MenInG]

I prefer higher scoring games. T20s heavily favour the batsmen and we need to see which upcoming batsman can score runs in conditions where they can accumulate some time at the crease.

I certainly don't miss the 130-150 run contests in Abu Dhabi. Those slow wickets aren't going to improve the batsmen where there is at least one delivery each over which has their name on it.

The issue is some of the boundaries are too small. Rawalpindi and Multan grounds appear to be much easier when it comes to hitting sixes.

T20s have to be high-scoring or the fun goes out of it immediatley.

 

[Rana]

Pitches are fine

Boundary sizes need to increase

 

[Bewal Express]

Too many old bowlers like Wahab, Tahir, Hasan Ali etc and the appalling standards of fielding haven't helped.

 

[Saj]

Apart from Ihsanullah we've not seen any new decent pacers which is disappointing.

I agree about the boundary sizes too, there is no way they should be 60metres or so and in some cases they are less than 60m.

 

[reversehook]

Atleast have a standard of minimum 65m boundaries, so a defensive dab doesnt go for a six. If its not taken care of these half shots or miss hits our boys are enjoying, they will be walking ducks in the international games... keep it consistent. Also, if the boundary sizes remain around 65m then the same games which are going 200+ would become 160-180 scores.

 

[Rana]

Atleast have a standard of minimum 65m boundaries, so a defensive dab doesnt go for a six. If its not taken care of these half shots or miss hits our boys are enjoying, they will be walking ducks in the international games... keep it consistent. Also, if the boundary sizes remain around 65m then the same games which are going 200+ would become 160-180 scores.

It was amazing to see how our T20 legends batted in Australia

They couldn’t even run the quick doubles on those huge boundaries

 

[Saj]

Fielding remains an issue.

Yes we have seen some spectacular catches from the Pakistani players but overall the fielding standard remains a concern and an area where the PSL hasn't really improved over the years.

 

[shamaan]

They need to increase the boundary size to atleast 65M

 

[Rana]

Fielding remains an issue.

Yes we have seen some spectacular catches from the Pakistani players but overall the fielding standard remains a concern and an area where the PSL hasn't really improved over the years.

The fc fast bowlers selected are horrendous fielders

Absolute tripe fielders

 

[Bewal Express]

Fielding remains an issue.

Yes we have seen some spectacular catches from the Pakistani players but overall the fielding standard remains a concern and an area where the PSL hasn't really improved over the years.

I can't say I have seen lots of action but from what I have seen, the fielding is shocking and as I said earlier,the bowling looks old and short of ideas. The teams seem to be old, look at karachi and it looks like a grandads 11.

 

[Savak]

The PCB needs to talk to the Franchises about employing foreign professional coaches who work with the franchsie for a decent amount of time, ensuring the players are fit and that there are minimum fielding standards as all these things affect the league.

 

[ElRaja]

yep, domestic bowling depth is poor this season, a lot of the older gen players are on their last legs or have been phased out and the younger lads, ihsanullah notwithstanding are mentally, physically, and technically not very good.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Standard of cricket has been quite poor but its been entertaining.

The PSL is missing some good old fashioned domestic stalwarts. Most of the Pakistani players are either over the hill, playing international or way too young and immature to be considered.

Apart from the already established players only Saim, Azam and Ihsanullah have done anything of note.

The overseas players are quite poor overall too.

That being said its still been good entertainment.

 

[Kroll]

It's been great, a total breath of fresh air. Will only develop batsmen that want to go big and go long.

Top quality.

 

[shamaan]

yep, domestic bowling depth is poor this season, a lot of the older gen players are on their last legs or have been phased out and the younger lads, ihsanullah notwithstanding are mentally, physically, and technically not very good.

Sameen Gull,Khurram Shzard,Irfanullah,Arshad Iqbal are all long format bowlers

 

[shamaan]

Standard of cricket has been quite poor but its been entertaining.

The PSL is missing some good old fashioned domestic stalwarts. Most of the Pakistani players are either over the hill, playing international or way too young and immature to be considered.

Apart from the already established players only Saim, Azam and Ihsanullah have done anything of note.

The overseas players are quite poor overall too.

That being said its still been good entertainment.

Usama Mir has done well aswell

Haseebullah and Abdullah Shafique have good decently well.

 

[shamaan]

I think this year I have enjoyed it at all more due to fearless cricket from some of the Pakistani players and none of this tuk tuk.

 

[Champ_Pal]

This is the best PSL seasons I have watched. I have been following it for the past 3 yrs. The batting overall has been top class. Bowling is average, but this is due to Lahore hoarding all champion bowlers in their team. Fielding has been below average. But that has been the case ever since I started following PSL.

Pakistani fans have a lot to be excited about their team for the coming years. Some genuine new talents are at display this year. The old guards are also firing with good consistency.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Usama Mir has done well aswell

Haseebullah and Abdullah Shafique have good decently well.

Yeah thats true. Forgot about Abdullah in particular.

 

[SamNJ]

Batting has been good with Ayub, Azam, Haseebullah etc firing.
Some decent long format bowlers are visible there which are proving themselves to be the international class.
The most worrying thing is fielding. PSL franchises need to run month long camp before PSL begins for domestic players which heavily works on fielding drills.

 

[Mamoon]

It has been great. Comfortably the best PSL ever. We are seeing proper T20 batting for the first time.

This notion that the quality of bowling in PSL is very high due to which we have low scores has always been a load of nonsense.

The quality of bowling has always been ordinary. Same bowlers would have been smashed all over the park in IPL.

The reason why we had low scores was because the standard of batting was low and the pitches were sluggish.

This year, the standard of batting has been the highest we have ever had in the PSL.

Also, the added bonus is that now our players and ex players would put an end to the nonsense of “player XYZ told me that standard of bowling in PSL is the best”.

 

[MenInG]

All the players participating in the ongoing Pakistan Super League have received 70 per cent of their participating fees after a slight delay with the remaining dues to be paid within a month after the end of the season on March 19, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday.

A PCB spokesperson told Dawn that the delay in payment was due to players arriving at different times “which led to the late submission of the player list”. “Anyhow, all payments have been made now,” added the spokesperson.

As per the agreements signed with the players, they were paid 30pc of their fees when they signed their contracts with 40pc to be paid when they joined their respective teams.

“The PCB takes a lot of pride in player payments for the PSL and have never delayed or defaulted,” said the PCB spokesperson. “This is one of the reasons why overseas cricketers like to feature in the PSL, besides the quality of cricket and hospitality they get.”

The PCB, meanwhile, is yet to pay half of the dues to the personnel working with the six Provincial Cricket Associations, whose services were terminated following the repeal of the PCB Constitution 2019. However, the PCB stated that all the remaining personnel will get their dues by the end of March.

The PCB Management Committee, which was appointed on Dec 21 for 120 days to reimplement the PCB constitution of 2014 in place of 2019, had abolished the six Provincial Cricket Associations and has now started the process of the elections for the bodies of the 16 regional cricket associations as per the constitution of 2014.

DAWN

 

[Colorblind Genius]

According to some, the PCB for producing too many placid batting tracks in this year's PSL which is evidenced by the fact that we have had 16 scores of 200 plus in this years PSL and that the bowlers have generally suffered.

This way the PSL is becoming just like any other T-20 league out there whereas in the past, the PSL was known for a good balance between bat and ball. He also criticized the players for being too friendly with each other and for lacking that spark to perform and compete.

Good batting surfaces are just fine, and they are a need of the game,
But
As I have been saying in a few other posts - either increase the damn boundary sizes to at least where the electronic advertising boards are - OR - take the bowlers out of the game and install bowling machines. We have killed the charm of bowling. There is no point of human bowlers in such small boundary sizes.
This is just ridiculous.

Increasing the boundary sizes will separate men from prostitutes.

 

[Suleiman]

Pitches are fine

Boundary sizes need to increase

Yeah. The boundary sizes getting into the 50 m range is very embarrassing to see. Makes it look like some random club level league.

Is this how desperate they are to falsify boundaries? 57 m friggin boundaries? Come on.

 

[MenInG]

Yeah. The boundary sizes getting into the 50 m range is very embarrassing to see. Makes it look like some random club level league.

Is this how desperate they are to falsify boundaries? 57 m friggin boundaries? Come on.

Why does it matter? the same boundary size is available to both sides - let it be a fun-filled six hitting contest.

 

[IAJ]

Why does it matter? the same boundary size is available to both sides - let it be a fun-filled six hitting contest.

Of course it matters, and you saw how our players struggled to clear the boundaries in Australia. PSL is first and foremost a domestic tournament which should develop young local boys so they can play equally well in international cricket. It's fun to see sixes but we have in past critisized IPL for small boundaries, so same rule should apply here if the boundaries are too small as the poster above indicated.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

2020 and 2021 psl were borefests. 2016 was a very one dimensional tournament.

This one has been much better so far IMO. They need to do away with the draft system and introduce auction or direct signings.

 

[Suleiman]

Why does it matter? the same boundary size is available to both sides - let it be a fun-filled six hitting contest.

Because most international stadiums across the world don’t have such tiny boundaries. It makes us look bad. Makes the PSL look like a cheap knock off, and lowers its value compared to the other leagues.

Makes it look like our local batsmen need training wheels and can’t clear boundaries without the added assistance of small boundaries.

 

[MenInG]

Because most international stadiums across the world don’t have such tiny boundaries. It makes us look bad. Makes the PSL look like a cheap knock off, and lowers its value compared to the other leagues.

Makes it look like our local batsmen need training wheels and can’t clear boundaries without the added assistance of small boundaries.

To be honest, apart from us here, no one who looks at the scorecard cares about boundary sizes.

 

[Fenrir]

Need to see a good contest between ball and bat.In the past pitches were slow and the ball kept low now the pitches are too good for batting.PCB should get English or Australian curators to help prepare pitches.The boundary sizes should big bigger too.

 

[Major]

Of course it matters, and you saw how our players struggled to clear the boundaries in Australia. PSL is first and foremost a domestic tournament which should develop young local boys so they can play equally well in international cricket. It's fun to see sixes but we have in past critisized IPL for small boundaries, so same rule should apply here if the boundaries are too small as the poster above indicated.

psls job isnt to develop cricketers. Franchises are not in it for such purposes

 

[gazza619]

Why does it matter? the same boundary size is available to both sides - let it be a fun-filled six hitting contest.

Unfair on bowlers.

150-170 run thrillers are more exciting.

 

[MenInG]

Need to see a good contest between ball and bat.In the past pitches were slow and the ball kept low now the pitches are too good for batting.PCB should get English or Australian curators to help prepare pitches.The boundary sizes should big bigger too.

Are we not seeing a good contest?

Rashid Khan comes in takes wickets, as does Ihsanullah

Not the issue of boundary sizes when our bowlers aren't that great or not thinking.

 

[Major]

Pindi stadium crowd has been great but the pitch has been pathetic. Its a road with nothing for spinners or even pacers.

Th amount of 200s we saw here was ridiculous, the proper balance between bat and ball is not there

 

[Kroll]

Need to see a good contest between ball and bat.In the past pitches were slow and the ball kept low now the pitches are too good for batting.PCB should get English or Australian curators to help prepare pitches.The boundary sizes should big bigger too.

We have test cricket for that and ODI to an extent. This is all about hitting boundaries and putting bums on seats.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Why does it matter? the same boundary size is available to both sides - let it be a fun-filled six hitting contest.

To be honest, apart from us here, no one who looks at the scorecard cares about boundary sizes.

Kinda strange that it's coming from you who perhaps has the most in-depth cricket allegiance going back as far as early 70's.

 

[Bewal Express]

Pindi stadium crowd has been great but the pitch has been pathetic. Its a road with nothing for spinners or even pacers.

Th amount of 200s we saw here was ridiculous, the proper balance between bat and ball is not there

Perfect for T20. Just extend the boundaries

 

[MenInG]

515 runs scored tonight in Pindi - This is the highest match aggregate in T20 cricket in the world.

 

[Bewal Express]

Too many old players especially in the bowlers, who weren't even good in their prime. Would the likes of Anwar Ali, Wahab Riaz etc be playing in respectable T20 Franchise leagues at their ages.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">515 runs tonight in Rawalpindi is the highest ever match aggregate in T20 cricket <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL8?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL8</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QGvsMS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QGvsMS</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1634623544079314945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">10 out of the last 12 scores in Rawalpindi:<br><br>207 <br>205/5 <br>209/8 <br>240/2 <br>243/2 <br>226/5 <br>242/6 <br>244/6<br>262/3<br>253/8<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL8?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL8</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1634624029528150016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Bewal Express]

On a positive note the pitch in Pindi has been excellent for T20. On the other hand the boundaries are a farce. Even club grounds have bigger boundaries

 

[SalimBhai]

Make the boundaries bigger please

 

[topspin]

It has been great. Comfortably the best PSL ever. We are seeing proper T20 batting for the first time.

This notion that the quality of bowling in PSL is very high due to which we have low scores has always been a load of nonsense.

The quality of bowling has always been ordinary. Same bowlers would have been smashed all over the park in IPL.

The reason why we had low scores was because the standard of batting was low and the pitches were sluggish.

This year, the standard of batting has been the highest we have ever had in the PSL.

Also, the added bonus is that now our players and ex players would put an end to the nonsense of “player XYZ told me that standard of bowling in PSL is the best”.

Completely agree. This has been the best PSL and that is primarily based on the fact that the batting standards we've seen in this tournament have undoubtedly reached a PSL all-time high.

This time last year it seemed the only Pakistan players who were worthy of batting in the top 3 in T20Is were Babar, Rizwan and Fakhar. There was little/no competition for their spots.

This season, we've seen the emergence of Muhammad Haris, Saim Ayub and Usman Khan. This trio have exposed the myth that "Babar and Rizwan are the best openers Pakistan have got".

As you say all this "PSL has lower scores than IPL because the standard of bowling in Pakistan is better" is another fine myth that has finally been put to bed.

 

[Rana]

You’ve still got to put your foot down and hit a 35 ball ton like Usman did

Well batted

 

[zaidihusain]

PCB should install bowling machines on both ends at Pindi stadium. No need to destroy confidence and career of bowlers by making these kind of tracks with such small boundary size

 

[Saj]

These teams scoring 240 250 260 - get them to play at grounds with 80metre or so boundaries and they'll struggle to get anywhere near these scores.

Same with the individual players.

 

[msb314]

It has been great. Comfortably the best PSL ever. We are seeing proper T20 batting for the first time.

This notion that the quality of bowling in PSL is very high due to which we have low scores has always been a load of nonsense.

The quality of bowling has always been ordinary. Same bowlers would have been smashed all over the park in IPL.

The reason why we had low scores was because the standard of batting was low and the pitches were sluggish.

This year, the standard of batting has been the highest we have ever had in the PSL.

Also, the added bonus is that now our players and ex players would put an end to the nonsense of “player XYZ told me that standard of bowling in PSL is the best”.

Spot on sir - agree 100%

 

[Colorblind Genius]

It's a shame really.

Those retired oldies are playing in bigger boundaries in Qatar Legends tournament, than this hall of a shame cricket that we call PSL.

 

[ArabKnight]

You’ve still got to put your foot down and hit a 35 ball ton like Usman did

Well batted

That’s like Afridi level. Even after 25 years, that hundred still is such a brutal knock.

 

[Firebat]

Not a fan of every single match being an ultra high scoring batting feast on a flat pancake. The novelty of big hitters smashing ridiculous centuries wears off when someone is doing it every single game, while the bowlers just exist to feed boundaries like it's a net session. You dilute the marvel of a jaw-dropping batting performances when you allow any Tom D or Harry to smash 200 SR 70s in every match.

The 15th 220+ score is not as enjoyable to watch as the first one.

 

[Savak]

Disagree about high scoring games being damaging for the game. Fans come to see fours and sixes. Bowlers need to learn how to hold their own in these conditions. If Rashid Khan, Asif Afridi can comfortably hold their own in these same conditions then what excuses do the other bowlers have.

The bowlers need to work on their variations and bowling, field setting tactics in these conditions.

 

[zaidihusain]

Disagree about high scoring games being damaging for the game. Fans come to see fours and sixes. Bowlers need to learn how to hold their own in these conditions. If Rashid Khan, Asif Afridi can comfortably hold their own in these same conditions then what excuses do the other bowlers have.

The bowlers need to work on their variations and bowling, field setting tactics in these conditions.

Bhai, cricket game is not like a movie in which there is hero & a villain and hero is supposed to beat villain all the time. Good cricket fans should understand the concept of the game in all aspects, the game is not only about 4s & 6s, in fact fans should also enjoy good bowling & good fielding. I don't mind high scoring games but there has to be a better balance between bat & ball. The reason why test cricket is still enjoyed by fans in Eng & Aus is because they have better result oriented cricketing pitches. The current Pindi track is graveyard for bowlers in all formats. The batters who are scoring @ SR of more than 200 in PSL will play at SR of 120-130 in T20 internationals.

 

[Saj]

Wild slogs being top edged and going for a 58 metres six.

That's not my idea of cricket enjoyment and the harsh reality is it does nothing for the development of batters and it's not great for the PSL product.

 

[zarak]

Wild slogs being top edged and going for a 58 metres six.

That's not my idea of cricket enjoyment and the harsh reality is it does nothing for the development of batters and it's not great for the PSL product.

its ok if we have different types of pitches. Pindi can be known for this if other grounds are more balanced

 

[Hextro]

Flat pitches make heroes out of hacks, not a good thing long term.

 

[Firebat]

What more could you ask of a T20 final?

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