The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been a symbol of hope for an audience deprived of its passion. Cricket in Pakistan is the fuel that drives the soul of its population.
The events on the field transform the ordinary lives of individuals into a collective from which stem multiple memories and excitement. The PSL started in 2016 after a long phase of planning. It had to compete with giants such as the Indian Premier League to provide quality cricket.
The backdrop of the league was mired by Pakistan’s inability to host matches at home. What started off as a means of revival quickly became a phenomenon, as the passion and voice of the cricket fans took over.
The PSL has been a smashing domestic success. It is one of the most watched leagues in the world today. It has had three completed editions with a fourth one in progress. The three PSL editions have created great memories from highlighting an underdog city such as Quetta to tournament victories for Islamabad.
It has created rivalries such as that of Lahore and Karachi. All three editions have offered audiences a unique take on cricket. All major cricket leagues in the world are dominated by batsmen but the PSL has challenged this brand of the game with a diverse range of bowlers and more even conditions to provide a combination of power-packed high scores and low-scoring encounters that bring spectators to the edge of their seats.
The PSL however is not without its own set of problems. The tensions between India and Pakistan have created many hurdles for the country which have impacted the economic and political landscape. It prevented various foreign players from coming into the country as well.
The PSL 4 however still charges on – all set to come home with a bang. It has faced many problems but just like the people of Pakistan, the PSL seems to persevere through everything to form a legacy that will last forever.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 8th, 2019.
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