One more controversy has impacted the build-up to the highly anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) final between Multan Sultans and Islamabad United on March 18 in Karachi. Videos of journalists leaving Sultans’ pre-match press conference in a dramatic manner have surfaced, and the team’s media manager can be heard telling them to leave if they were not interested in attending.
The incident happened when Multan’s assistant coach Abdul Rehman—rather than captain Mohammad Rizwan or another senior player—was called in to speak to the media. A journalist is seen talking to the media manager in the videos that are making the rounds on social media before beginning to leave. In Urdu, the media manager said, “It’s okay, those who don’t want to sit can go.”
Multan Sultans press conference:
Online rumours claimed that the journalists had asked for Rizwan or another well-known person to attend the press conference rather than the assistant coach, though no formal explanation had been given. The walkout was in protest of their demand not being met.
The controversial atmosphere surrounding the main event of this PSL season in Karachi was further heightened by the unexpected scenes. Poor attendance at the National Stadium has been criticized, particularly during Islamabad’s victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the elimination match to advance to the final.
Wasim Akram, the legendary cricket player for Pakistan, commented on the circumstance, stating, “It was embarrassing to see no crowd in Karachi. For last night’s match, there was absolutely no attendance.”
The two finalists have different backgrounds off the field. Although this is only Islamabad’s third PSL final appearance, they have already won the championship in 2016 and 2018. Multan, on the other hand, is participating in their fourth final straight, having placed second the previous two years and winning in 2021.
After defeating Peshawar in the qualifier, the Sultans secured a direct spot in the championship game by topping the league table with seven victories. United placed third, but victories over Peshawar and Quetta Gladiators to advance to the championship game changed that.
So, this was all about the Multan Sultans press conference. Also read, WPL 2024: RCB gains 1M likes in 9 mins making a new record!
