Netizens think Karachi boycotted PSL 9 match in solidarity with Gaza

As Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine continues despite calls to boycott the tournament due to its partnership with KFC and restrictions on bringing Palestine flags and banners into stadiums, however, the league saw a record-low turnout of spectators at a recent match in Karachi.

The PSL 9 match between Karachi Kings and Islamabad United on Wednesday was the first to be played at the port city's National Stadium. Nine matches of the 20-over tournament have already been played in Lahore, and five in Multan.

Images of the National Stadium with a sparse crowd circulated on microblogging site ‘X’, leaving many cricket fans disappointed with the low turnout in Karachi. Several netizens attributed the low attendance to calls for a boycott of the PSL in solidarity with Gaza.

Earlier, reports of an alleged ban on Palestine flags at PSL 9 matches further fueled existing public anger surrounding the league's collaboration with KFC, a food-chain whose parent company invests in Israel.

‘X’ users speculated that the low attendance at Karachi's first PSL 9 match was a successful response to the boycott calls.

"Empty speaks a volume today...A somber reminder of PCB's disregard for what truly matters," a user wrote on 'X'.

Karachi sets an example ❤️ Their full boycott of PSL speaks louder than words ✌️
Our hearts beat for Al-Quds 🇵🇸

Empty seats speak volumes today.. A somber reminder of PCB's disregard for what truly matters. 😞

Have 0% interest in PSL. ❌#BoycottPSL #PSL2024 pic.twitter.com/1eCzl8UdBG

— Jamshaid 🇵🇸 (@JamshaidMsandhu) February 28, 2024

A cricket enthusiast requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), “Please end your sponsorship with the Israeli brand KFC at this time. This was the first match for the Karachi home team, and the crowd was only 20%. PSL is a brand that took years to build. Don't ruin it like this.”

🚨Dear @TheRealPCB Please Abi b waqt ha ye Israeli brand (KFC) band Karo Ye Home Team Karachi ka phla Match tha or crowd Sirf 20%.💔💔
PSL ik Brand h or is brand ko bnate bnate saal lg gye isko is trha barbad na kro.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻#BabarAzam𓃵 #HBLPSL9 #Karachicrowd pic.twitter.com/fVV5phMGmZ

— Bilal Hameed (@iam_billokhan) February 28, 2024

Karachi winning heart as usual.

- Complete Boycott of PSL 9. pic.twitter.com/FM4zX1xo60

— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_) February 28, 2024

Karachi deserves much appreciation
on boycotting this #PSL2024
Instead of showing solidarity to our brothers and sisters in Gaza Palestine you people are enjoying this Israeli sponsored PSL.... SHAME 👎 pic.twitter.com/zCJlCqKdW8

— Bisma Sajjad (@BismaSajjad1) February 28, 2024

Boycott successfully updated by karachi people..#BoycottPSL #boycottkfc pic.twitter.com/3LGeWGCaQ9

— Osama Khan (@OsamaKh91929893) February 28, 2024

The Most wonderful People are living in Karachi we love You, You proved You are stand with Gaza, You reject this so called league PSL. Thank You Karachi this will be remember for a long time InshaAllah ♥️💗🫶#BoycottPSL#PakArmy pic.twitter.com/RlFkvOdw7N

— SYED SHAH HUSSAIN 🇵🇸 (@ShahBISP) February 29, 2024

First time I actually rate Karachi for something 🙌🏼#BoycottPSL https://t.co/NWk7XiGUDx

— Donate to pinned sadqa-e-jaariyah project for Omar (@H_3_D_Z) February 28, 2024

Thankyou Karachi for making PSL suffer. They deserve it.
So happy so satisfying to see empty stadiums..
Karachi you beauty..#BoycottPSL #KKvIU pic.twitter.com/Bl3wU39RY4

— Kaafi (@Kaaff__) February 28, 2024

*Karachi Boycotts PSL 💚*
*#BoycottPSL* pic.twitter.com/NDaYLWinm9

— ANela Shah (@Anela_shah) February 28, 2024