The gloomy atmosphere of Gaddafi Stadium

LAHORE:

This is similar to what happened during COVID times, when silence prevailed in the stadium. There were no chants or applause echoing around, and the surrounding roads were deserted. It still feels the same now except for one difference: people are no longer wearing masks.

If I ask you whether you would prefer no cricket at all or matches being played in empty stadiums, most people would probably say that at least being able to watch the game on TV from home is a blessing.

If you look at videos from India, earlier people were wandering around desperately with gas cylinders, and now there are long queues for petrol. In such circumstances, if the Government of Pakistan has taken early measures to conserve energy, we should support them.

I have covered the PSL since the beginning and have also traveled to the UAE for it, but this time the color seems somewhat faded. The tense, war-like environment in our region is one of the reasons.

Only a few hundred people will be allowed to watch PSL matches live in the stadium. Each team and sponsor has been given one hospitality box, where owners, families, and sponsors will be present. Players’ families will also be able to watch the matches.

When I arrived at the stadium, the security arrangements looked similar to the past. However, the absence of smiling faces, children and youngsters holding national flags, was very noticeable. The media box was crowded with journalists.

I feel that once one or two matches are played, we will start focusing on players’ performances, and the discussion about the lack of crowd will fade somewhat.

At the stadium, I also met Wasim Akram and Mushtaq Ahmed. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was the chief guest of the match. Undoubtedly, she has transformed Lahore. It felt as if we were in another country,wide roads, greenery,everything makes you say “Lahore is truly Lahore.” Those of us from Karachi can only feel envious when we see such development compared to our broken roads.

Before the match, Maryam Nawaz was introduced to the teams and franchise owners. Mohsin Naqvi was also present. Wasim Akram entered the ground carrying the trophy.

Now let me take you a day back. When I arrived in Lahore, not only at the airport but even around the stadium, there was no sign that such a big event was taking place. Even if crowds are restricted, there could have been promotions for the PSL billboards or something but perhaps the organizers did not think of it.

A cricket team consists of 11 players, but the PSL staff seems to be just 6–7 people. I have said before that Salman Naseer needs to build a strong team. There is no need to call people part-time from their homes ,if you look for talent, you will find capable individuals.

Anyway, this is Pakistan’s league, and we must support it, but it is also important to point out its issues.

On the day I arrived, the captains’ press conference was scheduled, but it started late. Interestingly, all four captains Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Rizwan are searching for form. Saud Shakeel does not even play white-ball cricket regularly. His performance last season was disappointing, and even his behavior in the final was discussed. He was barely picked, yet he is fortunate to have retained the captaincy. It is true that his team reached the final last year, but the captain’s contribution was minimal.

Most questions in the press conference were directed at Babar Azam. Despite being out of form for years, his brand value remains strong,although he is no longer called “King.” As he was leaving, several journalists took selfies with him.

At the hotel, team flags were displayed, indicating the presence of players. I later went to the office and participated live from the Lahore studio in the “Sports World” show for the first time.

A franchise owner invited me to a team dinner. Later, at the hotel’s poolside, I attended the gathering and saw foreign cricketers enjoying Pakistani dishes like tikka, kebabs, and chicken karahi. They were joking and laughing among themselves, which showed they had adapted well to the environment.

I also had a long conversation with a Pakistani star cricketer. Later, a franchise official called me to the lobby to introduce me to someone, where I also met Quetta Gladiators’ co-owner Hassan Nadeem Umar. I have known his father for a long time. Whenever I visited his office in the past, he would stand up respectfully with folded hands upon seeing his father. Respect for everyone is part of his nature, and he has instilled the same values in his children.

On match day, I also visited the PCB office for a meeting. Later, after a coffee meeting with a friend, I returned to the stadium with my colleague Mian Muhammad Asghar Saleemi, the details of which I described at the beginning.

Indians were mocking us for having no opening ceremony and no crowd at PSL matches, but now even their IPL might take place without an opening ceremony, and they may also have to restrict crowds.

Recent issues are not limited to one country their effects are being felt worldwide in one way or another. It is unclear how long this situation will last; perhaps cricket matches in our region will continue like this for the next few months.

Just as the COVID period eventually passed, this too shall pass. For now, we can only wait for better conditions.