Wasim Akram 'embarrassed' over empty stadiums during PSL 2024 knockout matches

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram expressed his embarrassment over the lack of spectators in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL). Wasim Akram highlighted the absence of attendance in the Karachi leg, including the knockout matches.

The ninth season of the PSL is approaching its conclusion with only two matches remaining, including the highly anticipated final showdown. Multan Sultans secured their spot in the championship finale by defeating Peshawar Zalm in the Qualifier encounter.

Despite the thrilling clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans at the National Bank Stadium, the match failed to attract a significant audience. The Eliminator 1 between Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators was also played in front of an empty stadium.

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The matches in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan garnered significant attendance, in stark contrast to the sparse turnout in Karachi. Despite concerns about the low attendance in Karachi, PSL officials decided not to relocate the remaining matches, as per ESPNcricinfo.

Literally No Crowd For Last Night’s Match – Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram expressed his disappointment at the absence of fans in Karachi during the playoffs, describing the situation as ’embarrassing.’ Akram’s comments highlighted the complete lack of interest in PSL matches.

“It was embarrassing to see no crowd in Karachi. There was no crowd, literally no crowd for last night’s match,” Akram said on A Sports.

Wasim Akram said “It was embarrassing to see no crowd in Karachi. There was no crowd, literally no crowd for last night’s match”

Hafeez said “There were more people in Fahad Mustafa’s show Jeeto Pakistan than in National Stadium for PSL” #HBLPSL9 pic.twitter.com/szaeXevzhS

— Sahil_Mustafaa (@sahil_mustafa1) March 13, 2024

NO CROWD ONCE AGAIN FOR THE PSL ELIMINATOR IN KARACHI. IT’S GETTING SILLY NOW. @TheRealPCB, PLEASE DO SOEMTHING. THIS BRODCAST GOES AROUND THE WORLD 😞💔💔#HBLPSL9 #tapmad #HojaoAdFree @thePSLt20 pic.twitter.com/hrskXx7lSV

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) March 15, 2024

Imagine no crowd even in PSL final.

— Taimur Shah (PZ) (@taimury0) March 14, 2024

More People In Fahad Mustafa’s Show Jeeto Pakistan – Mohammad Hafeez

During the same show, Mohammad Hafeez pointed out that Fahad Mustafa’s program “Jeeto Pakistan” attracted a bigger crowd than the PSL matches at the National Stadium.

“There were more people in Fahad Mustafa’s show Jeeto Pakistan than in National Stadium for PSL,” Mohammad Hafeez said.

Islamabad United To Take On Peshawar Zalmi In Eliminator 2

Islamabad United set a total of 174 runs, losing nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Martin Guptill emerged as the top scorer for Islamabad, contributing 56 runs from 47 balls, while Agha Salman also made a noteworthy contribution with 31 runs off 21 deliveries.

Mohammad Amir and Akeal Hosein each claimed two wickets for Quetta Gladiators. Amir conceded just 20 runs in his four overs. Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, and Saud Shakeel secured one wicket each in the match.

In response, Quetta was dismissed for 135 runs in 18.4 overs, resulting in a 39-run loss. Omair Yousuf, Akeal, and Amir were the only batters to reach double-digit scores for Quetta. Yousuf contributed 50 runs from 37 balls, and Akeal added 31 runs from 18 deliveries.

Islamabad United is poised to challenge Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 2 for a coveted spot in the final. This will be the first time in the PSL’s history that a final is scheduled for a Monday, contrasting with previous editions’ weekend finals.

Schedule Of Remaining PSL matches

March 16, 2024, Eliminator 2 (Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi), National Bank Stadium

March 18, 2024, Final, National Bank Stadium

Also read: Abdullah Shafique hits back at Wasim Akram after the latter asks him to work in Drama