We should make most out of PSL!
Scheduled Pakistan Super League (PSL) in February, 2016 (UAE) is a breath of fresh air for Millions of cricket loving Pakistanis around the world. The feeling of owning an International cricket league is just amazing and expectations are really high. Before starting the Pakistan Super League (PSL) we have so many bench marks and lessons leaned from ICL, IPL and BPL etc and doors of countless opportunities.
PSL’s Venue
Pakistanis in Qatar were overjoyed when PSL was announced late in August, 2015 to be played in Qatar. Later, it was shifted back to the UAE; our favorite home outside home. It’s really good but I strongly feel at least few matches must be played in Qatar. Qatar is making all possible efforts to host notable International sporting and other recreational events. At the same time, they are building high class sporting facilities to cater FIFA 2022 World cup. In the shadow of so many business opportunities; Qatar is moving its focus towards Pakistan gradually. PSL is yet another fantastic opportunity to get the two countries together and share our past experience of organizing sporting events. This will not only work for Qatar to stroll towards future big sports events and also will give us an alternative venue for future cricketing series/tournaments. Having few matches in Qatar will show our thankfulness to this brother country that backed us when we were short of the event’s Venue.
Sponsorship Sector
PSL has potential to make a big Pakistani International brand with the passage of time. Apart from Key sponsor(s); PCB should spread the sponsorship rights into various segments. Pakistani entrepreneurs including TV Channels, Banking and Industrial sectors must be encouraged to embrace and own Pakistan Super League. From the telecast rights to kit logos and potential hospitality/tourism opportunities; well thought off sponsorship strategy can go a long way.
Opportunity for young Talent
PSL is a blessing for our new talent. Rising boys from Domestic arena will go into the league and get the exposure of the Best in Business. This will definitely help us in filling the gap of International cricket in Pakistan. Junior cricketers must grab this opportunity with both hands which surely is going to open new doors of success for them. We will surely get some future stars out of PSL.
Link with UAE’s business Arena
Dubai is the most visited city of the Middle East attracting visitors from around the world; famous for shopping and other interesting events. It will serve the players and spectators to enjoy some attractive night activities. Smart planning and hospitality management will certainly benefit UAE’s economy, business chances for various companies and provide a healthy environment for the players.
Connectivity with Pakistan
PSL can effectively be linked with some parallel activities in Pakistan. It can be telecast in cinemas as per public demand. Our cricket stadiums can re-live during PSL. Short matches among zonal teams can be conducted in grounds (just before a PSL match); after which spectators could have a choice to watch live telecast of PSL on screens. Food and gift stalls to be arranged to serve the masses. I am quite sure, people will be more than happy to visit such festivals alongside their families.
Menace of fixing, dark scars
We have seen issues of spot fixing, money corruption and betting during the IPL. PCB should make all possible efforts to stop illegal activities during the PSL. It should be mentioned very clearly in the code of conduct. Youngsters must be given special lectures before they leave for the event. Un-necessary mixing with the strangers to be avoided as any minor thing will be exploited specially by foreign media. All efforts should be made to get it through neat and clean and avoid awful situations came about in IPL.
Cheer Leaders
Dancing girls as cheer leaders just do not suit our culture and taste as a nation. We have seen controversies during the IPL related with economic and emotional exploitation of these Cheer leaders. We must avoid it. We have a diversified Desi culture; people with various traditional clothing/get ups representing assorted places in Pakistan can be shown off as Cheer Leaders. We have a potential to change Cheer Leaders trend. Just imagine four provinces and Kashmiri get ups waving their hands on fours and sixes…Ahhh awesome!
PSL and IPL
Pakistani players have been missed from the IPL over the years. The way our players were ruled out from IPL was just pathetic. I just can not forget that meaningful notorious Shilpa Shetty smile while names of Pakistani players were called on and all the buyers just kept silent instead of bidding. I fully believe that nature has reversed the curse and we all can see enormous ebb IPL is facing these days.
PCB should not run behind Indian Players; they will come anyhow if they wish to; no need of bowing down to BCCI. PCB should make efforts to make PSL a much better and zerocontroversial event. We have great chance to prove our metal, to surpass IPL; Insha Allah.
Fingers Crossed
PSL is a fresh start and ray of hope for struggling Pakistan Cricket. With sincere efforts and hard work, PSL can become a symbol of quality. Let’s hope that this tournament would be a success and eventually the league will come back to Pakistan in coming years.
Note:
This article was published at following, dated 26th October, 2015
Article No 44
Striking thoughts 