My not so positive take on the Pakistan Super League

[Theo_14]

I have been very disappointed with the PSL so far; like many I was counting down the days with excitement.

I know it’s early days but we are now into season 3, apart from marketing, promoting... I honestly don’t see any major upgrades or improvements.

Firstly, the crowd has been awful. I’m not even talking about weekdays, I mean even on the weekends. The camera has been focusing on the VIP box etc and at times the party box look clueless which is just embarrassing.

Secondly, the level of cricket is as if I am watching Pakistan’s T20 batting during their decline era were scoring runs was a myth. Tactically, clueless; batting order speaks for itself.

What is most disappointing is the of lack determination by teams to use rookies or youngsters in the side - instead players like Tanvir, Shehzad etc have been persisted with - This also tells me that clearly domestic cricket are not producing many flood of talents with world class potential or fear factor? Whole purpose of PSL was for youngsters to be integrated at Intl level.

Truth is, for the Foreign players, this league is a good catch up with buddies like Malik, Afridi etc, a nice paycheck and a King/Queen esque reception/treatment; it’s a holiday resort for Darren Sammy, not a competitive league like the IPL.

The coverage, graphics have been shocking too. I just find it strange how people can even compare PSL to IPL, let alone say PSL is better than IPL. Let’s be realistic and logical.

In conclusion, PSL has not improved since season one; moving this to Pakistan will be progress but not the complete solutution.

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

I have been very disappointed with the PSL so far; like many I was counting down the days with excitement.

I know it’s early days but we are now into season 3, apart from marketing, promoting... I honestly don’t see any major upgrades or improvements.

Firstly, the crowd has been awful. I’m not even talking about weekdays, I mean even on the weekends. The camera has been focusing on the VIP box etc and at times the party box look clueless which is just embarrassing.

Secondly, the level of cricket is as if I am watching Pakistan’s T20 batting during their decline era were scoring runs was a myth. Tactically, clueless; batting order speaks for itself.

What is most disappointing is the of lack determination by teams to use rookies or youngsters in the side - instead players like Tanvir, Shehzad etc have been persisted with - This also tells me that clearly domestic cricket are not producing many flood of talents with world class potential or fear factor? Whole purpose of PSL was for youngsters to be integrated at Intl level.

Truth is, for the Foreign players, this league is a good catch up with buddies like Malik, Afridi etc, a nice paycheck and a King/Queen esque reception/treatment; it’s a holiday resort for Darren Sammy, not a competitive league like the IPL.

The coverage, graphics have been shocking too. I just find it strange how people can even compare PSL to IPL, let alone say PSL is better than IPL. Let’s be realistic and logical.

In conclusion, PSL has not improved since season one; moving this to Pakistan will be progress but not the complete solutution.

You are being too negative.

PSL is much much better than what it used to be.

It reformed our team in many ways..you can compare the team that we had in 2015 before PSL and in 2017 after PSL

There is a massive difference between the two.

Coming to competitiveness this is the only version of this league I have seen so far where all teams are competitive and the contest is open unlike the precious editions where Zalmi and Gladiators were only there.

The crowd attendance will always be a factor in the UAE

The celebrities,the celebrations,the hype,cuptural rivalries between two cities this league creates is unparallel to any league apart from IPL

It will take atleast two or three complete seasons in Pakistan for this league to be top notch.

According to me PSL is operating on 60% of it's total potential.

 

[Markhor]

I have to agree, been an underwhelming start to PSL3. The matches have been of poor quality so far.

I know the cooler weather during Feb/Mar in the UAE means more favourable bowling conditions, but the batting standards in PSL has generally been mediocre. We've seen numerous appalling batting collapses and performances whilst the foreign batsmen have often outshined the local ones. Only two batsmen have been "produced" by PSL in Sharjeel and Fakhar but PSL hasn't filled me with a lot of confidence about the current state of Pakistani batsmanship.

The team compositions this year are mostly uninspiring, chock full of names you've seen countless times before at domestic level, and the foreign contingent consist of the usual T20 league globetrotters like Pollard, Sammy, Bravo etc.

The beauty of the first two editions was that some new talents were exposed but the vast majority of the lineups are full of TTFs and has beens, with only IU making an effort to groom youngsters.

Also, give it a rest with the selfies and cringeworthy gimmicks (Head and Shoulders dandruff dance or whatever its called).

 

[Finisher]

Younger/new players getting sidelined has been the most disappointing part.

Saif Badar hardly getting a bat so far, Hammad Azam getting dropped for poor bowling when he is batting all-rounder.

 

[babajee]

Firstly a lot of batting talent in Pakistan has been ignored, along with nepotistic and stupid selections based on “experience”.

Also chances aren’t being given to youngsters. Why play Saif if he’s gonna bat at 7?

 

[Saj]

I keep seeing people posting on here that it's better this time around - can those folk actually confirm what is better?

 

[SameerK]

The crowd in Dubai is the same as it has been since PSL 1 for the same reason in that no matter the advertising there isn't enough attraction in Dubai to sell up the stadium. Meanwhile in games at Sharjah PSL feels much better due to the packed crowds as a result of a higher Pakistani population living in that city. This shouldn't be a surprise and I know you can say the IPL sold up Dubai but the draw that IPL brings will always be greater than the PSL due to the sheer money involved and the quality of players involved. Not only that but IPL came to Dubai in 2014, years after it was established.

Problems with players in the league such as Shehzad and Tanvir replacing upcoming youngsters do definitely exist. It is a problem but if it wasn't for the addition of Multan this year players like Shehzad and Tanvir wouldn't be involved. I'm pretty sure Multan only picked them to just assemble a squad early on and next season with current washed out players forms they won't be involved in the PSL. I understand the concerns on foreign players but the approach being taken by PZ with Sammy is smart. In order to gain a fanbase they picked players like Afridi and Sammy who are more entertaining players than competitive to gain more of a following. As time will go on I am sure PSL will attract more foreign players as seen this year players like Lynn, Tahir, Hales, McClenaghan are all involved as well many other foreign players. Compared to PSL 1 the quality of foreign players has improved.

You need to take PSL as it is and view it realistically. PSL is not IPL and if it ever wants to be IPL a lot of money will need to be invested as well as scheduling changes and a move to Pakistan. All of these things will need time to take place. I think PSL has improved and we should be pleased with the existence of a league that is bringing forward stars like Shadab and Hasan for example and bringing international cricket back to Pakistan. It's making certain things possible which would be hard to achieve with the current setup of the PCB.

 

[j_kazmi]

I keep seeing people posting on here that it's better this time around - can those folk actually confirm what is better?

Quality wise I think it’s the same as the first season and you could also argue that it’s gotten worse since.

This is the one thing I was afraid of. I knew the guys at PCB would get complacent after the success of the first two seasons and the quality of the tournament could suffer because of it.

 

[Mercurial]

You are spot on regarding the crowd.

I would like to add that PSL is yet to produce a power hitter.

 

[Kaka4pope]

For me the test will come when it’s in Pakistan for the semis and final - hopefully that should be a buzz week with roaring crowds...

 

[Mercurial]

Hopefully crowd will build up tonight, for the big game KK vs PZ. Afridi and PZ have a lot of support in UAE.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

The graphics this season are absolutely shocking. I've literally not seen anything more terrible than this in a very long time.

The crowd is poor and the quality of cricket so far is terrible to say the least. Not a single interesting or even competitive match so far. However, I'm hopeful that things will get better in this regard as teams move to Sharjah and the competition heats up.

Let's not compare this to any other league tho, this is truly a Pakistani product and that too for the Pakistani television market and hopefully and looking from the sponsors, it's delivering on that front.

 

[khalil1986]

Watched very little on PTV, the coverage is appalling with the channel continuously cutting midway through deliveries etc with the same pathetic adverts.

Seen more of the damn adverts than the cricket, won't be watching this tripe again.

 

[IMMY69]

Haven’t seen a game in its entirety.
What I have seen so far has not been very good in terms of batting displays..

Also, the whole point of T20’s is fast cricket played in front of a full house crowed...
So really disappointing in that respect.

 

[DeadBall]

The graphics this season are absolutely shocking. I've literally not seen anything more terrible than this in a very long time.

The crowd is poor and the quality of cricket so far is terrible to say the least. Not a single interesting or even competitive match so far. However, I'm hopeful that things will get better in this regard as teams move to Sharjah and the competition heats up.

Let's not compare this to any other league tho, this is truly a Pakistani product and that too for the Pakistani television market and hopefully and looking from the sponsors, it's delivering on that front.

But we got the genius of the dandruff challenge. Explain that.

 

[troodon]

PSL is full of domestic batsmen and hasbeen players.

It’s missing lots of big name players to make it interesting and high scoring.

 

[punter17]

The tickets are not making much money, are they? At least introduce free pass or something to attract the crowd. At least then there is a chance of good atmosphere in the ground. Without crowd, PSL doesn't have the appeal.

 

[Poutine]

Watched very little on PTV, the coverage is appalling with the channel continuously cutting midway through deliveries etc with the same pathetic adverts.

Seen more of the damn adverts than the cricket, won't be watching this tripe again.

Try watching it on Cricket Gateway, better quality and no ads at all.

Watching anything on PTV sports is unbearable.

 

[Abdullah719]

Watched very little on PTV, the coverage is appalling with the channel continuously cutting midway through deliveries etc with the same pathetic adverts.

Seen more of the damn adverts than the cricket, won't be watching this tripe again.

No one should watch it on PTV Sports unless there is no other option.

Geo Super and Ten Sports are far better for Pakistan-based viewers. Best option is Cricket Gateway.

 

[Titan24]

I have been very disappointed with the PSL so far; like many I was counting down the days with excitement.

I know it’s early days but we are now into season 3, apart from marketing, promoting... I honestly don’t see any major upgrades or improvements.

Firstly, the crowd has been awful. I’m not even talking about weekdays, I mean even on the weekends. The camera has been focusing on the VIP box etc and at times the party box look clueless which is just embarrassing.

Secondly, the level of cricket is as if I am watching Pakistan’s T20 batting during their decline era were scoring runs was a myth. Tactically, clueless; batting order speaks for itself.

What is most disappointing is the of lack determination by teams to use rookies or youngsters in the side - instead players like Tanvir, Shehzad etc have been persisted with - This also tells me that clearly domestic cricket are not producing many flood of talents with world class potential or fear factor? Whole purpose of PSL was for youngsters to be integrated at Intl level.

Truth is, for the Foreign players, this league is a good catch up with buddies like Malik, Afridi etc, a nice paycheck and a King/Queen esque reception/treatment; it’s a holiday resort for Darren Sammy, not a competitive league like the IPL.

The coverage, graphics have been shocking too. I just find it strange how people can even compare PSL to IPL, let alone say PSL is better than IPL. Let’s be realistic and logical.

In conclusion, PSL has not improved since season one; moving this to Pakistan will be progress but not the complete solutution.

I guess you expect too much from franchise cricket. PSL has done what it could have done for Pakistan which was producing players.

Matches have been reasonably competitive but you have to take into account we are just 3-4 days in the tournument.

Nobody said that graphics wise its a better league. I still believe in terms of bowling, quality in each team is superior, as a batsman there are not a lot of bowlers you can target unlike IPL.

 

[Theo_14]

I guess you expect too much from franchise cricket. PSL has done what it could have done for Pakistan which was producing players.

Matches have been reasonably competitive but you have to take into account we are just 3-4 days in the tournument.

Nobody said that graphics wise its a better league. I still believe in terms of bowling, quality in each team is superior, as a batsman there are not a lot of bowlers you can target unlike IPL.

For you to say that my points come across as “expecting too much” shows why PSL, Pakistan cricket in general will never progress. What I mentioned were basics.

Bruh, look at the match on right now - even the lower stand is not full on a weekend. If this was the state of IPL heading into season 3; two big teams, you’d all be slating.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Saw one match . As an outsider a vibrant crowd will give a great experience for players to do well infront of the crowd. But you have to look at this way. Something is better than nothing. If you guys can conduct this in SOuth africa like India did in one of the season, you will see far better crowd responses. THey have one of the best T20 crowd. As far as quality goes you need participation of current players to rub shoulders with young and upcoming plaeyrs. Not past by sell date players. Still it is better than nothing.

 

[Savak]

Posters here are far too negative. In the last PSL almost every match in the previous went down to the wire so have no idea how can anyone conclude that the quality of cricket on display is poor.

 

[Titan24]

For you to say that my points come across as “expecting too much” shows why PSL, Pakistan cricket in general will never progress. What I mentioned were basics.

Bruh, look at the match on right now - even the lower stand is not full on a weekend. If this was the state of IPL heading into season 3; two big teams, you’d all be slating.

I agree about the crowd but what do you expect in Dubai especially when this time around its first leg was longer. Sharjah geberally gets good crowd

 

[ShahidDar08]

Tried and tested failures are getting priorities over young and talented ones. Only Islamabad United is giving chances to youngsters. Saad Ali Saud Shakeel Zafar Gowhar Hasan Mohsin etc warming the bench.

 

[JaDed]

PSL always starts dull and gets better and competitive later ,graphic wise first season was better.

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

I keep seeing people posting on here that it's better this time around - can those folk actually confirm what is better?

1.All teams apart from Lahore competitive.
2.Tournament completely open anyone can win unlike the previous one where only QG and PZ were performing.
3.Young captain like Imad leading the way.
4.Way way better fielding standards than the last one.
5.Sold out opening ceremony.
6.Final in Karachi.

Dubai crowd was always this low..even for Pakistan matches.

Sharjah,Lahore,Karachi are coming ahead which have larger fan bases.

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

You are spot on regarding the crowd.

I would like to add that PSL is yet to produce a power hitter.

Talat says Hi

 

[Crescent]

Awful batting performance so far

 

[boomboomcheema]

77/7 in 15 overs, who is going to pay to watch this stuff?

 

[Abdullah719]

For you to say that my points come across as “expecting too much” shows why PSL, Pakistan cricket in general will never progress. What I mentioned were basics.

Bruh, look at the match on right now - even the lower stand is not full on a weekend. If this was the state of IPL heading into season 3; two big teams, you’d all be slating.

Sunday is not weekend in UAE, though the crowds were hardly any better on the past couple of days.

Anyway, no one should be surprised at the (lack of) turnout. There's a variety of reasons for the lack of crowds in Dubai which have been discussed on PP previously. Sharjah is likely to have much better crowds.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Pitches have to be different. some has to help seamers, some spinners, some batsmen. Ball should just ping of the bat on most of the T20 tracks.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Just needs to be hosted fully in Pakistan with foreign players thats it.

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

Sunday is not weekend in UAE, though the crowds were hardly any better on the past couple of days.

Anyway, no one should be surprised at the (lack of) turnout. There's a variety of reasons for the lack of crowds in Dubai which have been discussed on PP previously. Sharjah is likely to have much better crowds.

Was always this way in Dubau even for Pakistan matches.

I am surprised at people realising it now.

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

77/7 in 15 overs, who is going to pay to watch this stuff?

This was the first day this happened so relax bro.

Today it rained that could have caused some change on the pitch.

 

[Rizwan25]

T20 cricket is all about entertainment but so far PSL has failed on that aspect. Why on earth they didn’t lay out the flattest pitches to ensure high scoring games. There’s is grass on the wicket and bowlers are having a good time. People want to see sixes and fours, they wana be entertained and this is where IPL leaves rest of the leagues behind. First thing, bring PSL back to Pak. The cost of holding the tournament in UAE should be dispersed to bring in big names. Invest in quality production and tailor make pitches for T20. Last but not least, no one wants to see Asad shafiq and Khuram manzoor open. Bring in U19 openers or guys who could have a future in senior team.

 

[Rana]

What would make sense is if All group games are played in Sharjah instead of Dubai.

Play offs and Semis will be sold out in Dubai

 

[Josh]

PSL does not have domestic firepower as well as overseas. That's why it is boring compared to IPL. Understandable that there is hardly any crowd in the stadium.

 

[in_cutter]

Empty stadium, poor quality cricket. Poor overall. UAE is not the venue for PSL.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

There are no overseas super stars players either.

In this game:
Peshawar:
D Smith: Fat and not part of WI team.

Sammy: Past it and not part of WI team.

Tamim Iqbal: Ok player, nothing superstar over him.

Jordan: Not a star player.

Karachi:

Denly, who??

Ingram, not a star player

Bopara, lol

Mills - Only famous because an IPL team bought him for for 1 mill+ went unsold the season after.

 

[shah_1]

The overall quality of international cricketers is so average.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

youngsters being sidelined is a setback on promoting the chance for youngsters to play at int'l level matches.. Saif badar bats at no.7...Saad Ali and saud shakeel went to a team where they wont play a single game because of batting heavy team with KP,RR and SW... farhan didnt play in the 1st match, got a chance to open today, not sure whether he will continue to open or not//

 

[khizer123]

My honest take is that the only way this league will survive is for it be played in Pakistan - we need to full capacity being used for it to be a revenue driver.

Secondly I think teams are pushing young talent to emerge otherwise we wouldn’t be seeing new faces to the team - be critical but let’s not be delusional

 

[Arham_PakFan]

1.All teams apart from Lahore competitive.
2.Tournament completely open anyone can win unlike the previous one where only QG and PZ were performing.
3.Young captain like Imad leading the way.
4.Way way better fielding standards than the last one.
5.Sold out opening ceremony.
6.Final in Karachi.

Dubai crowd was always this low..even for Pakistan matches.

Sharjah,Lahore,Karachi are coming ahead which have larger fan bases.

Perfect post bro

 

[Savak]

There are no overseas super stars players either.

In this game:
Peshawar:
D Smith: Fat and not part of WI team.

Sammy: Past it and not part of WI team.

Tamim Iqbal: Ok player, nothing superstar over him.

Jordan: Not a star player.

Karachi:

Denly, who??

Ingram, not a star player

Bopara, lol

Mills - Only famous because an IPL team bought him for for 1 mill+ went unsold the season after.

Scheduling is to blame for this. PSL needs to be held after the IPL

 

[Mamoon]

If we take our green-tinted glasses off, it is pretty obvious that the PSL is a third rate league and there is absolutely nothing special about it.

The foreign cricketers on show are poor - most of them are washed up former players who are here to collect their pension. The pitches are ordinary and the overall product is pretty mediocre. All this talk of how competitive it is and there is good balance between bat and ball is utter hogwash.

However, we have to look at the bigger picture. PSL defines the mediocrity that Pakistan cricket has become today. We are an irrelevant cricketing nation and are simply not marketable.

There is not enough money involved to attract the top cricketers in the world, and the fact that we are not hosting the tournament in Pakistan is also a big problem.

Keeping these constraints in mind, the PSL is as good as it could have been under circumstances. All of the factors that will improve the PSL are going to cost money. If the PCB is able to bring the PSL home on permanent basis, it can overtake the BPL and CPL considerably because Pakistan cricket is more lucrative than Bangladesh or Caribbean cricket.

As far as the IPL is concerned, comparing the two is like comparing a Ferrari to a donkey cart. Our competition is not the Ferrari but leagues such as the BPL and CPL. We have certainly have the potential to surpass both.

Scheduling is also a problem but not a major one - since the PSL will never have a dedicated window, it will always lose out on certain players due to international commitments. I think September/October could be a good option because it will open up the possibility of signing South African and New Zealand players.

 

[Saj]

The other thing is that the tournament is yet to have a very good match with a tight finish so far.

Sometimes a tournament needs a great match to get it going.

 

[Last Monetarist]

I haven't seen the BPL, but the quality of cricket on show in the PSL is at best on par with the South African Ram Slam T20. It's certainly below the likes of the T20 Blast and the CPL. The worst thing though by far is the broadcaster's tedious fixation with squalid Pakistani "celebrities". I feel like a little part of me dies everytime they show the crowd. I really have to stop watching this turgid mess masquerading as a cricket tournament.

 

[letme alone]

psl with high and good fielding average among all liege according to commentatre

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

Empty stadium, poor quality cricket. Poor overall. UAE is not the venue for PSL.

Correct it should be changed

 

[Plumb]

There is a massive difference in picture quality if you watch it on willow.
In terms of quality of games so far disappointing that I don’t see any quality innings/shots/spells(except sanga).
In terms of graphics yes not so great.
In terms of crowd very very disappointed, psl ll not make money with 50-100 people anyways why not open the gates for free admission? People screaming cheering for the players can also add excitement in the game.

 

[MMHS]

One positive I see is that fielding standard has definitely improved. Apart from that, what I have seen in 4 weekend games, wicket is definitely better, which probably exposing PAK batsmen, but it's helping pacers to find right length for outside Asia tours.

Tournament is open, but that can be true for both ways - La Liga has been contested by 2 teams for a decade now & often Real/Barca takes a 20+ lead by 35th game; while Estonian (Or Latvian, forgot) league entered into last week such that 12 teams out of 20 had mathematical chance to win the league after 35 games. Last I saw, Championship is far more open than EPL ........

Negatives are sadly more -

1. This is 3rd year, but hardly any fan following. And, still Afridi is bigger hero than the PSL. Probably, yesterday one guy for Lahore telling that he supports Lahore because he comes from that city & Karachi because of Afridi .....

2. 6 Captains are Sarfraz - PAK current Captain, Imad - who probably will never lead PAK; others are Malik, Sammy, Mac & Misbah (replacement Raees, again not likely to lead PAK ever). This one needs to be changed.

3. Teams are still picked on face value & undeserving seniors are backed too much.

4. Quality of foreign players are poor, but that shouldn't be held against PSL - it's system limitation. But, at least they can reduce foreign quota and promote more local players.

Quality of cricket can be looked both ways - poor batting, but quality pace bowling.


I think, PSL needs to come to PAK with whoever foreigners willing to come - they have picked Sabbir, Ramdhin, Anamul ..... therefore quality of foreigners shouldn't be a big question. PSL has reached it's ceiling at UAE, it can only shift side wise now - need to bring it in PAK & put an "experience" cap - maximum 3 (2 local & 1 foreign) players over 35 in playing XI. Otherwise Misbah will play 2 more years at least, putting black die in his beard.

 

[LordEddardStark]

Last 2 seasons of PSL started the same way. There were boring matches in the beginning and once the league shifted to Sharjah, the matches started being more competitive. I believe this year it will be the same.

However speaking generally, what can be the possible avenues where a league could eventually improve?

1. Better crowds in stadiums
2. High scoring matches and competitive cricket with a few close matches
3. Inclusion of more star players
4. Presence of celebrities during matches and during promotion.

1. The first problem can only be cured by moving the league completely to Pakistan. Frankly, most of the players presently playing will travel to Pakistan and league would be better off in longer run even if others don't opt for it. The main reasons for hosting a domestic league and commercial rather than cricketing, and empty chairs would never seem like a good commercial prospect to any investor.

2. I think the quality of wickets has been a little better than previous 2 seasons, however the low scoring matches have more to do with classic Pakistani batting mindset than good bowling. The players who have remained timid all their lives can never start playing without fear out of blue. We can just prepare better pitches for further seasons and hope that one day they will leave their insecurities behind.

3. To be truthful, PSL will never get it's own leg so perhaps it would be wise for us to accept that the league will never get the star power we wish for. Moving PSL to Sep/Oct can be an option but then again we'll get some stars and some will still opt against us. Plus the 40 degree temperatures in Dubai/Sharjah or alternatively in Karachi/Lahore will make this option difficult as well. But in any case, money makes the mare go. Salary caps will increase in coming seasons and so will the number and star power of players.

4. Commercial leagues need a certain mix of glamour to add to the charm of it. But here too, Pakistan would not get the Bollywood names associated with IPL teams so we would have to contend ourselves with the volume of glamour we can put in. We won't get Shahrukh Khans but our present lot (presently in this season) is doing not bad either. Rather, I feel we are overdoing it a tad.

Lastly, everyone is bemoaning about exclusion of young players from playing elevens, but I don't see how PCB or PSL management can do anything about it. If Nadeem Omer or Sarfaraz are bent upon playing Asad Shafiq or Anwer Ali over Saad Ali or Saud Shakil, what can anybody do about it? Gladiators is their private brand and they can do whatever they want to do with their business. This league is still like a domestic championship to them, where they own a local club and do whatever they want with it. The maturity one expects of a league team owner will take it's time and will take a few more seasons. However the major issues of PSL can be overcome by single most positive development. "Bring PSL to Pakistan".

Just my two cents.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

The organisers need to get rid of a lot of dead wood - some of the players are simply way past their best. Instead of playing really old former internationals why not play more under 19 Pakistani players?

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

The organisers need to get rid of a lot of dead wood - some of the players are simply way past their best. Instead of playing really old former internationals why not play more under 19 Pakistani players?

India continued to play Ganguly,Dravid etc way after their prime in the IPL
why should Pakistan get rid of the deadwood so early?

 

[Mamoon]

The organisers need to get rid of a lot of dead wood - some of the players are simply way past their best. Instead of playing really old former internationals why not play more under 19 Pakistani players?

The organizers are in a tricky position. The main selling point of the PSL is the foreign players - that is what separates it from the other T20 competition.

People do not turn up in numbers to watch some unknown U-19 kids play. Yes it is true that the PSL is now an established brand, but the brand was only established because of the presence of players like Pietersen, Sangakkara, Watson, Gayle, Sammy etc.

The franchises have to retain big name foreign players. A lot of them are past their prime now, but they cannot be easily replaced because the top contemporary overseas players are not available. As a result, they have to stick with the foreign players that they already have.

 

[babajee]

This sounds a bit prejudiced whatever but if we hold it in Pakistan we could still get some decent foreign players in:

Imran Tahir
Hashim Amla
Moeen Ali
Adil Rashid
Rashid Khan
Tamim Iqbal
Shakib ul Hasan
Mustafizur Rahman
Usman Khawaja

I don’t see why any of these guys would object to playing in the PSL in Pakistan. And there would be some non Asians as well who would be willing to go.

 

[Savak]

The organizers are in a tricky position. The main selling point of the PSL is the foreign players - that is what separates it from the other T20 competition.

People do not turn up in numbers to watch some unknown U-19 kids play. Yes it is true that the PSL is now an established brand, but the brand was only established because of the presence of players like Pietersen, Sangakkara, Watson, Gayle, Sammy etc.

The franchises have to retain big name foreign players. A lot of them are past their prime now, but they cannot be easily replaced because the top contemporary overseas players are not available. As a result, they have to stick with the foreign players that they already have.

I wonder whether Gayle going unpicked in the draft hurt the PSL? On the one hand he didn't do anything in the first 2 editions to make any Franchise owner want to pick him but on the other hand the PSL needed a big name like him for marketability.

 

[Mamoon]

I wonder whether Gayle going unpicked in the draft hurt the PSL? On the one hand he didn't do anything in the first 2 editions to make any Franchise owner want to pick him but on the other hand the PSL needed a big name like him for marketability.

I think he could have been picked. The pros probably outweigh the cons. He is inconsistent, lazy and self-centered, but he can still produce magic once in a while and is a huge draw. I imagine he got picked in the IPL at the last minute for the same reasons, after getting ignoring throughout the auction.

I guess the PSL franchises were not impressed with his behavior over the last two seasons. He really did not look like he wanted to be there.

 

[backfootpunch]

Boring and you'll find the lowest scoring games in PSL - which some easily fans get easily deceived by this because they think the reason for this to continue to happen because of the "quality of the Pakistani bowlers".

But it is actually due to the fact that they are playing in a region which has the worst conditions for any cricket especially limited overs because the pitches are so docile (very slow and lack of bounce) made worse by the big boundaries and slow outfields.

Along with unfavourable T20 conditions there are too many over 35 year old players in the first teams.

 

[Markhor]

psl with high and good fielding average among all liege according to commentatre

According to Freddie Wilde of CricViz, 88% of catches have been caught in this PSL - that's the highest percentage for any major domestic T20 tournament in the last two years.

Fielding has definitely been a plus point.

 

[Savak]

I think he could have been picked. The pros probably outweigh the cons. He is inconsistent, lazy and self-centered, but he can still produce magic once in a while and is a huge draw. I imagine he got picked in the IPL at the last minute for the same reasons, after getting ignoring throughout the auction.

I guess the PSL franchises were not impressed with his behavior over the last two seasons. He really did not look like he wanted to be there.

Gayle is losing currency, i believe he was sold at the lowest price ever in his IPL history. I personally suspect this just may be his last IPL and next year he may go unsold.

 

[Savak]

Overall i think Pakistani's need to take a chill pill here, the PSL started off on a slow note last year as well and eventually picked up big time from the second week onwards with so many games going down to the wire with 1-2 run defeats or last ball wins. Yes these are not high scoring games but even extremely close low scoring games will do the trick for now.

 

[Gayle_Force]

Apart from the reasons mentioned above, I also believe that there are very few fans outside of Pakistan that have developed a strong affiliation with one particular team. The two big franchises Karachi and Lahore had a horrible first two seasons. Zalmis had developed a strong following in the UAE, however, I think Afridi leaving the franchise has probably left those fans a little confused as well.

 

[Savak]

Apart from the reasons mentioned above, I also believe that there are very few fans outside of Pakistan that have developed a strong affiliation with one particular team. The two big franchises Karachi and Lahore had a horrible first two seasons. Zalmis had developed a strong following in the UAE, however, I think Afridi leaving the franchise has probably left those fans a little confused as well.

Fan following will probably develop once the PSL is played in Pakistan. The key thing is get the poor masses involved, they are the fans the PCB and the Franchises need to get involved.

 

[Gayle_Force]

Fan following will probably develop once the PSL is played in Pakistan. The key thing is get the poor masses involved, they are the fans the PCB and the Franchises need to get involved.

Its unlikely for PSL to completely shift to Pakistan for another few years. Till then playing in front of empty stadiums in Dubai does not paint a great picture for the fans or the sponsors.

 

[emranabbas]

We need smaller boundaries out talent isn’t capable of hitting big shots

 

[nighthawk23]

Scheduling is to blame for this. PSL needs to be held after the IPL

So your solution is to play the PSL in 50 degree heat in June?

 

[Savak]

So your solution is to play the PSL in 50 degree heat in June?

Well it can't be 50 degrees celcius every day, every month from June to October in the UAE. But that is the best calender to not compete with the IPL.

 

[giri26]

Sharjah probably will have better crowds. The lack of people in the stadiums probably is more saddening than the quality of the cricket itself. IPL, BBL et all is a spectacle and cricket hasn't always been of the highest standard. The crowd and the atmosphere make these leagues what they are.

 

[Shera]

I fear for the future of the Pakistan Super League

As much as I hate to say it, but I fear for the future of PSL. It's not just because of the crowd attendance but it has a lot to do with the batting quality of the tournament. Pitches have been pathetic and if I remember correctly, 200 has been passed on just a few occasions in the history of the event. People want to see four and sixes, No one wants to see wickets falling and tuk tuks. This crap about the balance between bat and ball is just used to mask the failure of the tournament to entertain the crowd. There is literally zero local batting talent in the tournament. Even most of the "emerging" players picked by the teams are bowlers or all-rounders. Multan Sultans and Lahore Qalandars didn't even care to pick local wicket-keepers and instead are banking on either foreign or makeshift keepers. Quality of International players is also very underwhelming. Players like Sammy, Sangakkara, BMac, Ronchi, KP, Watson etc are just eating up the spots which could be used by the local talent. I don't mind players like Ingram and Denly because they are still good performers in the domestic but these 40+ players are just here to grab their pension. It's even useless to say about the crowd attendance because most of the Pakistanis in Dubai are either hard labour or taxi drivers who don't have any days off and the stadium is about half an hour away from the city centre. Even Najam sir was looking worried today while watching the match, must be stressing on the substandard quality of cricket being played which would even shame Associate lovers.

Make batting and flat wickets, You will see people coming to the stadium but if they keep on making such pitches, they would lose crowd as well as the sponsors.

 

[Sarfarazian92]

The picture quality is great. What are people on about?

The pitches and dubai crowd suck big time, no denying.

 

[Railu Katta]

The pitches have been great but the batsmen are mediocre. You should stop watching if you don't like it or quit complaining.

 

[Syed1]

Let it atleast get to the halfway point first

 

[Syed1]

One sure shot way of making the PSL an instant success is to have Indian players in the PSL. I'm not saying the latest greatest players like Kohli which the BCCI won't allow, but players who are past their best or no longer in contention for Indian team might be able to get NOCs from the BCCI. The target should be players like Robin Utthappa, Chawla, Yuvraj (one can dream ), Ashwin, Karthik etc. Obviously this may only come about after great deal of diplomacy by the PCB and if and when the relationships thaw a little bit.

 

[msb314]

T20 cricket is all about entertainment but so far PSL has failed on that aspect. Why on earth they didn’t lay out the flattest pitches to ensure high scoring games. There’s is grass on the wicket and bowlers are having a good time. People want to see sixes and fours, they wana be entertained and this is where IPL leaves rest of the leagues behind. First thing, bring PSL back to Pak. The cost of holding the tournament in UAE should be dispersed to bring in big names. Invest in quality production and tailor make pitches for T20. Last but not least, no one wants to see Asad shafiq and Khuram manzoor open. Bring in U19 openers or guys who could have a future in senior team.

Agree.

Need flat wickets ASAP!

No more of this bowling friendly conditions nonsense

 

[carbon11]

The bowling and fielding has been excellent if psl ends up a failure it will because of the businessmen and organisers behind . the cricketers have given it all .

I guarantee you even Indian prince dhoni kholi would struggle against the bowling in psl and the Dubai pitch

 

[LordEddardStark]

You are being unduly pessimist. It's still one week to the tournament and traditionally PSL only picks up pace when it moves to Sharjah leg. Just give it time.

Plus the pitches are fine, it's your batsmen that have been mediocre. If you have to be pessimist about anything, this would be the appropriate area.

 

[Shera]

The bowling and fielding has been excellent if psl ends up a failure it will because of the businessmen and organisers behind . the cricketers have given it all .

I guarantee you even Indian prince dhoni kholi would struggle against the bowling in psl and the Dubai pitch

IPL was played in UAE for few matches in 2014 and the turn out and pitches were great unlike PSL. So you think crap like Junaid, Nawaz, Mills etc are going to trouble Kohli?

 

[HuzaifaE]

Don't mind it at all. A six actually means something, not an inside edge over square leg or an outside edge over cover. We've seen some good batting and some good bowling and some good fielding. The quality and temperament of the players is being tested adequately.

Everyone who wants to watch and root for their team will do so, regardless of if its a 140 run game, or a 180 run game. Enough pandering to the folks who might catch a glance of the score on their TV, better to create good balanced pitches and let the teams do the talking on an equal footing and on the same surface, We've had close, excellent contests in both prior editions, this one shouldn't be different.

Don't know why everyone is so obsessed with having some hacks blow 25 from 12 or 40 from 25 on dead roads against trundlers only to convert it to 0 from 1 or 10 from 15 on the International stage. Talent will weed itself.