The seventh edition of the PSL, the most popular cricket tournament in the country, has commenced in Karachi amid tight security and robust health protocols despite the surging coronavirus cases. However, this year the tournament lacks the usual buzz which was its hallmark in previous years.
Last year, the PSL was postponed after six players tested positive for COVID-19 in a bio-secure bubble. This league was eventually shifted to Abu Dhabi. This year, the PCB has no plans to either postpone or cancel the event in case of a Covid breakout among fans. It plans to restart the league by resetting the bio-bubble by a week rather than calling off the entire event.
Karachi seems to be lacking the usual enthusiasm. They are very few billboards promoting the event and fans engagement has been low. This rise in Covid cases could be a possible reason. People are least interested due to the rising prices and buying expensive tickets. The lack of facilities, security checks, and roadblocks keep away people from watching the match.
Karachi is the worst affected city from the coronavirus with positivity ratio reaching a staggering 46 percent. The spike in coronavirus cases forced authorities to impose lockdown in high-risk areas. The government had initially allowed full crowds in but due to spike in cases, stadiums will have only 25 percent capacity – around 8,000 fans. There is also an increased security risk in the country. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid has warned of a surge in terrorist activities in the coming months. Due to security concerns, the PSL comes at a price as over 5,000 troops have been deployed to perform security duties.
Despite the coronavirus threat surrounding the PSL, PCB chairman Ramiz Raja sees the presence of foreign players as a positive aspect. Pakistan will be hosting four major countries this year, including Australia for the first time since 1998. We should not forget that the PSL is being held in the age of COVID-19. If Pakistan manages to successfully hold the tournament, it would certainly be a huge achievement for strengthening cricket in the country.
