Was the old Faysal Bank T20 better than the current National T20 Cup?

[Arham_PakFan]

I remember the old daysmisbah3) when the FaysalBank T20 was the premier T20 tournament in Pakistan.It had teams like Sialkot Stallions,Faisalabad Wolves and Karachi Dolphins etc.I personally found it better than the current National T20 where you have teams like Lahore Whites,Karachi Whites etc.The kits were better(although that’s secondary),fans liked them better and you actually had players representing their cities/regions.Matches like Lahore Lions vs Karachi Dolphins were much more interesting and there was fan loyalty.

The draft system has totally ruined those rivalries.I get that the draft system means talent is spread across more teams and teams are more evenly matched.But what the PCB should have done is that they should have kept the old teams,and hand picked upto 8 players to represent their own region.Emerging players and less established players can be put in a draft and teams can pick the rest of their squad.Then,for example,you wouldn’t have M.Amir playing for Lahore.You could then have a Super 8 tournament.With the 8 top teams.

 

[GreenShirts]

Yeah I found it much better!Also they should play some games in Karachi!I’ve heard that the stadium is being renovated but we haven’t seen any major T20/List A games in Karachi for quite a few years!

 

[MRSN]

Yes. The dhol is missing.

 

[DRsohail]

the old thing was impressive with rivalry.

 

[zoeyfactor]

Faysal Bank T20 was quality tournament!

 

[Brilliance]

FB T20 was a great tournament

 

[Major]

Both were/are crap

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

There was more competition in FBT20. Although I do think that ABN Amro t20 Cup was even better.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

I used to be genuinely disappointed after my team losing the match and I used get genuinely happy when my team won. Draft have simply muddied the competition and regional pride have gone down the drain.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

I used to be genuinely disappointed after my team losing the match and I used get genuinely happy when my team won. Draft have simply muddied the competition and regional pride have gone down the drain.

Very true.I used to feel the same.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

People are not being practical here.

The matches are more competitive and thus better to watch. Gone are the days where Lahore, Sialkot would win every edition with a lot of one sided games.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

The crowd was better for faysal bank.

 

[DRsohail]

draft system has killed everything.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

People are not being practical here.

The matches are more competitive and thus better to watch. Gone are the days where Lahore, Sialkot would win every edition with a lot of one sided games.

That’s just a myth. KD and LL used to fight tooth and nail in their efforts to beat SS. We also had FW winning a couple of trophies as well. Player quality was better at that time as well.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Even Rawalpindi was competitive and won a tournament as well.

 

[Markhor]

Yes, I'm strongly in favour of developing exciting regional rivalries and FBT20 provided with players playing for their LOCAL teams.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Draft system didn’t even bring merit to cricket. Selections are still being done with nepotism at its forefront.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Yes, I'm strongly in favour of developing exciting regional rivalries and FBT20 provided with players playing for their LOCAL teams.

It can still be done with the new teams. But the PCB needs to get their heads straight and realize the draft system isn't suitable for everything.

 

[shaaik]

First couple of seasons were really good then it really got boring and monotonous. Not to forget those team kits were really awful.

 

[RidiculousMan]

What a tournament this used to be. People actually used to discuss this. Even kids at school. Stadiums for most games used to be filled. Crowd was always there to watch their Pakistani star players. Even though there weren't any overseas players.

I remember Karachi Dolphins and Karachi Zebras sort of had the pedigree of a Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid respectively for the locals.

You had the successful team of Stallions lead by Imran Nazir and then Malik. Rawalpindi Rams was always there with Umar Amin and Mohammad Amir starring. Faisalabad Wolves under the ever reliable Misbah and his group of players. Lahore Lions and Lahore Eagles.

It used to feel so competitive and intense when big teams clashed.

I remember there used to come post match on Geo Super and panelists there used to discuss the results and teams.

There was just so much passion, rivalry and fire.

And to end it off. The iconic Dhol music. Nostalgia!

I wonder if PCB ever learned something off that tournament.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Found this video from 2011. Just look at the crowd and atmosphere in National Stadium, Karachi. Packed house!

Shahid Afridi opening with the bat and Umar Gul opening with the ball.