PCB Faces Fresh Embarrassment: More Security Guards Than Fans In Stadium
Despite bold claims from PCB and several former players that PSL is now more popular than the IPL, the reality told a different story.
The 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL) is off to a rocky start. In the third match of the season on Saturday, Karachi Kings defeated Multan Sultans by four wickets - but it wasn't the cricket that grabbed headlines.
Instead, the focus shifted to the empty stands and an overwhelming security presence, raising fresh questions about PSL's popularity.
More Security Than Fans at Match, PCB Insulted Again
Despite bold claims from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and several former players that PSL is now more popular than the Indian Premier League (IPL), the reality told a different story.
According to The Dawn, only around 5,000 spectators were present at Karachi's National Stadium for the match, while a staggering 6,700 security personnel were deployed. Most of the stands remained empty, making the contrast all the more striking.
Security personnel for PSL in Karachi 6700
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) April 12, 2025
Fans for PSL in Karachi 5000 pic.twitter.com/BSShWEvxHM
This turnout challenges recent remarks by former cricketer Hasan Ali, who suggested that PSL could attract fans away from IPL if the quality of cricket remained high.
However, the tepid response from local fans - despite the presence of top players - suggests otherwise. Meanwhile, Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 continues to enjoy packed stadiums and a charged atmosphere in nearly every match.
Multan Sultans vs Karachi Kings - Match Report
Multan Sultans put up a solid total of 234 runs, anchored by captain Mohammad Rizwan's unbeaten 105. However, his effort went unrewarded as Karachi Kings chased down the target, thanks to a commanding century from James Vince and a vital 60-run knock by Khushdil Shah.
The result may have gone Karachi's way, but the visuals from the stadium were a strong reminder that Pakistan Super League (PSL) still has a long way to go in winning over its own fanbase.
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