Lahore, Pakistan — As the Pakistan Super League (PSL) enters its tenth season, one glaring issue continues to overshadow the tournament’s on-field action: the visibly low fan turnout. Despite being a flagship event for domestic cricket in Pakistan, PSL X has not managed to draw the crowds that once made the league a festive spectacle.
Former Pakistan all-rounder and seasoned PSL veteran Mohammad Hafeez has stepped forward with a sharp critique of the current state of the league’s engagement with its fans. Speaking in a recent social media Q&A, Hafeez attributed the drop in attendance to three core issues—national team disappointment, silent protest by fans, and a declining in-stadium experience.
National Team’s Decline Dampens PSL Buzz
Hafeez cited Pakistan’s recent string of poor performances in international cricket as a major factor behind dwindling PSL enthusiasm. The team’s struggles in major ICC tournaments have disillusioned fans, who no longer feel inspired by the same players representing franchises in the PSL.
“The fans don’t see heroes anymore,” Hafeez implied, highlighting how failures on the global stage have bled into domestic cricket perception. Once a celebration of Pakistan’s cricketing talent, the PSL now carries the baggage of national underperformance.
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Fan Silence: A Form of Protest
According to Hafeez, the empty seats aren’t just a coincidence—they’re a form of protest. “In Pakistan, silence in the stands doesn’t mean apathy. It means anger,” he stated.
This season’s lower attendance figures reflect a fanbase increasingly disillusioned by administrative controversies, poor player selections, and a perceived lack of commitment from those in charge. For many, staying home is a louder message than attending with resentment.
Poor Fan Experience Discouraging Attendance
Hafeez also pointed to serious logistical issues at stadiums, from excessive security checks to unclear traffic diversions. He explained how, for the average match-goer—especially families—the hassle of simply getting to a PSL venue often outweighs the excitement of being there.
Even after entering, the in-stadium experience rarely lives up to expectations, with long queues, limited amenities, and lack of organized crowd engagement, making fans feel more like an afterthought than a priority.
A Call for Change
The concerns raised by Hafeez serve as a wake-up call to both PSL organizers and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). With global sporting leagues increasingly prioritizing fan engagement and comfort, PSL cannot afford to operate on an outdated model.
If the league is to retain its legacy and continue unearthing the next generation of cricketing stars, it must rebuild trust with its audience and address the root causes of their disengagement.
