Just when the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was basking in the glow of a successful tenth edition, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has stirred the pot with a stinging remark thatโs hard to ignore.
Taking to social media on Wednesday, Latif didn’t mince his words as he called out the presence of ‘non-cricketers’ in the recently held PSL debriefing session, accusing them of running the league into the ground.
โNon cricketers running cricket affairs in the countryโฆ destroying PSL,โ he posted on X (formerly Twitter), alongside a photo from the session.
What Was the Debriefing About?
Held at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), the debriefing was led by PSL CEO Salman Naseer and brought together key stakeholders including franchise reps, media partners, sponsors, and commercial affiliates.
This session aimed to reflect on the journey of the PSL over the past decade while also highlighting how the league fared in its ninth and tenth editions.
From a business and branding perspective, it looked like a textbook success story. But Latif clearly wasnโt convinced.
Numbers That Tell a Different Story
While the former skipper took issue with the composition of the room, the PSL management had a different message to deliver. They came armed with data, growth metrics and fan engagement statistics that they believe tell a much more optimistic story.
CEO Salman Naseer was quick to point out that PSL X wasnโt just another season โ it was a milestone.
โThe Pakistan Super League has come a long way since its inception. The 10th edition was a celebration of passion, resilience and unity,โ he said.
He also highlighted some record-breaking numbers, including a 647 per cent surge in live streaming and a significant uptick in digital engagement across platforms.
Cricketersโ Voice or Corporate Vision?
But for Rashid Latif, the concern isnโt about viewership numbers or digital impressions. Itโs about cricketing credibility.
His post raised a question many fans and insiders have often whispered but rarely say aloud: Is the PSL being run by those who truly understand the game, or is it in the hands of boardroom executives detached from the field?
Thereโs no doubt the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has become a global T20 brand, and the numbers back that up.
But if seasoned voices like Latif are feeling sidelined, then perhaps itโs time for the PCB and PSL management to ask themselves if theyโve struck the right balance.
Stay tuned toย Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.