PSL 2024 playoffs plagued by low crowd turnout in Karachi

The Pakistan Super League is approaching the final stretch of the 2024 season but what should have been an occasion to celebrate has turned into a moment of concern due to poor crowd attendances.

The latter stages of the tournament are being stages in Karachi and while the earlier matches saw excellent crowd support in venues like Rawalpindi, Lahore and Multan, the National Stadium in Karachi has been largely empty.

Poor crowd figures have been a regular problem in Karachi. Late last month, former captain Wasim Akram and his panel members from local broadcasters A Sports revealed that they were unable to attend a PSL match in Karachi as they got stuck in traffic and numerous diversions, which forced them to return to the studio.

Wasim Akram "It was embarrassing to see no crowd in Karachi. There was no crowd, literally no crowd" #PSL9 #Cricket

In the post on X, Akram said travel was extremely difficult and possibly one of the reasons why local fans prefer to stay away from the venue during match days.

Strangely, the final of the tournament is scheduled for Monday - a work day during the holy month of Ramadan - and that is expected to impact attendance even more.

At least the action on the field has been intense. On Friday, spin all-rounder Imad Wasim claimed 3-12 in the power play as Islamabad United defeated Quetta Gladiators and advanced in the playoffs.

Two-time former champion Islamabad will meet Peshawar Zalmi in the second qualifier on Saturday. The winners of that match will progress to Monday’s final against Multan Sultans.

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