DUBAI: As the 10th match was completed in the Pakistan Super League, a third of the way into the tournament, it feels as if it is stuck in first gear. The excitement that once defined the league — packed stadiums, electrifying contests, a sense of national celebration — has been conspicuously absent. This is especially the case in Karachi. In the 2019 final, the National Stadium, despite logistical challenges, hosted a rocking full house. Now, it has sparsely populated stands.

The explanations being put forward are poor experience for spectators, poor viewing and a difficult venue to access. This does not fully explain the decline. Perhaps the truth is more uncomfortable. After two years of underwhelming performances by the national team, the public’s passion for the game may be suffering from disillusionment. Even so, the pattern is not even, as attendances in Rawalpindi have been much better, suggesting that interest has not completely evaporated. Nevertheless, it is an ongoing concern.

A related concern is the quality of cricket. Only one of the 10 matches has been genuinely close. While there have been flashes of brilliance, 17-year-old Ali Raza’s four wickets for Peshawar Zalmi against Multan Sultanas, for instance. the overall standard has been patchy. The tournament desperately needs more competitive matches to reignite excitement.

Islamabad United have been a class apart amid the mediocrity, their star shining more brightly than the rest. United are unbeaten after four matches comfortably lead the table. IU have played like true defending champions. Their success is not accidental, being built on consistency, smart recruitment and a culture of professionalism from the top down.   

The franchise’s owners, Ali and Amna Naqvi, have been model stakeholders from the beginning. They have created a professional cricketing environment and let their team’s performances speak for themselves. There are no mid-tournament podcasts, no unnecessary media grandstanding, just a quiet, determined focus on cricket.

It is no surprise that their squad always plays with freedom and smiles on their faces. Sahibzada Farhan has set the tone and leads the batting charts with 214 runs at an average of 53.5, transferring his domestic form into the PSL. New overseas signing, the experienced Jason Holder, tops the wicket-taking charts with 11 wickets at an average of 11. He has provided a boost for his captain, Shadab Khan, who came into the tournament with poor form but has captained impressively and performed well with both bat and ball. It looks as if IU are united and the team to beat, especially after comfortably defeating the Karachi Kings in the 10th match by six wickets.

In a mixed start by Karachi Kings, two wins and two defeats, there have been bright spots. James Vince, ever the elegant run machine, has carried his form seamlessly into the PSL, proving yet again why he is one of the most dependable overseas players in franchise cricket. Equally encouraging has been the resurgence of Hasan Ali, who looks in the best rhythm he has been in for years — bowling with fire, swing and his trademark aggression. Tim Seifert has had a good start to the tournament too, but the Kings need to find consistency in both batting and bowling, which means more players realizing their potential.

Peshawar Zalmi, usually one of the league’s most consistent sides, have looked oddly out of balance. The makeup of their bowling attack in the first two games was confusing. The continued exclusion of Mehran Mumtaz, a promising young spinner, has raised eyebrows, especially when their current combinations are not working.

An apparent reluctance to blood younger players feels like one of the significant failures of the PSL. It compares unfavorably with the Indian Premier League where a 14-year-old recently burst on to the scene. In the PSL, some of the best young players either warm the bench or are not even in the squads. An exception to this for Zalmi has been the young bowler, Ali Riaz. His wiry frame will need filling out to deal with the demands of fast bowling but he has consistently reached speeds of 140kph or above, combined with swing and skill. He has also shown character, especially with four wickets for 21 in the win against Multan Sultans.

Zalmi also has the big issue of Babar Azam to address. The former Pakistan captain’s form has been uncharacteristically subdued but, as everyone knows, class is permanent. Zalmi’s hopes hinge on Azam quickly rediscovering his touch. If he does, they will have the firepower to challenge. The team management will be delighted to see Saim Ayub slot back into the team after injury, while the attacking batting style and character of Mohammad Haris is the sort that the national team ought to be looking to build the future around. After losing the first two games, Zalmi appear poised for improved results.

At the bottom of the table, Multan Sultans remain winless after three matches. Owner Ali Khan Tareen has been omnipresent, attending training sessions, involving himself in team huddles and making himself a constant talking point. He speaks about raising professionalism and standards, but his approach may not be the optimum one. A step backwards may better serve the players, rather than give the impression that he is about to pull on the shirt and take the field himself.

Quetta Gladiators, after a brilliant first game, stumbled in the next two matches, exposing the batting frailties that many suspected existed in the squad. Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars have been a pleasant surprise, holding second in the table on net run rate. The team has displayed fight and good skills. One player living up to my prediction is Rishad Hossain, the young Bangladeshi leg-spinner, who has been exciting in claiming six wickets.

The 11th match will be the last played in Karachi, as the tournament moves on to Multan, Lahore and Rawalpindi. It is to be hoped that closer matches ensue, along with a better standard of cricket to encourage the fans to come out in greater numbers. All of those outcomes are much needed to attract future investment and quality players in the increasingly crowded space for franchise tournaments in cricket’s calendar.

RIYADH: In a sport steeped in tradition, disruption rarely comes gently.

Yet the Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix has done just that – reimagining professional boxing through a groundbreaking global tournament and an unprecedented collaboration of fighters, promoters, and nations.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman described the Grand Prix – whose initial stage took place from April 17 to 20 – as “a dream come true.”

“This Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix is the first event of this magnitude ever in the history of boxing,” said Sulaiman.

“Never done before in professional boxing. Fighters from all over the world in four different categories with limited experience or years of age. It is for the talent of the future.”

Sulaiman added: “It has been such a great success, and we always expect this to be groundbreaking, because so many fighters are getting the opportunity to show their skills on this world stage here in Riyadh.”

“It is the dream come true of my father – he always wanted to have an opportunity for those who don’t have an opportunity in life.”

At the heart of this transformation is Turki Alalshikh, head of the General Entertainment Authority, whose leadership has united the boxing world in ways few thought possible.

With long-standing promotional and broadcast rivalries bridged, the sport has entered an era of collaboration and spectacle.

“Riyadh Season, with the leadership of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, has changed the boxing world in only two years,” Sulaiman explained.

“Riyadh and Jeddah have shown some of the most important fights in the last 20, 30 years – fights that were not being put together because promoters were fighting each other, networks fighting each other.”

 “And his excellency came in, invited everyone to sit down and negotiate, and made this happen,” said Sulaiman.

“I believe that a new era has begun. A new era that will change forever the way boxing is featured.”

While the Grand Prix has drawn international headlines, Sulaiman is particularly energized by local and regional talent.

“I have seen two Saudi fighters – not in this tournament – but in the Riyadh Season events, and they have talent. They have good skill which you need when you’re born.

“You cannot teach that, you have to be born with it … The Middle East is known for having courageous, brave fighters. It is just a matter of getting the boxing technique and experience.”

He also praised an emerging fighter competing in the tournament. “I saw a fighter from Jordan yesterday. He was sensational. And I believe that he will be advancing in the tournament and that could be a great, great talent.”

To young Saudis hoping to one day hold a world title, Sulaiman offered candid and heartfelt advice. “Boxing is a sport that is very demanding. You need dedication, you need passion, you need patience, and a lot of hard work,” he said.

“You have to be in perfect shape, working every day, running, and then going to the gym and learning the skills. You cannot be a boxer in one year, just as you cannot be a doctor.”

“Boxing is a great sport. It teaches you discipline, brings opportunities, and gives an open door for many things in life.”

With the Grand Prix setting the stage, Sulaiman said the WBC is committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s long-term development as a global boxing hub.

“This is the first step. Ever since His Excellency Turki Alalshikh came into the picture two years ago, the WBC welcomed him with open arms,” said Sulaiman.

“Because what we have seen is something never done before.”

He emphasized the importance of grassroots investment and consistent activity for young fighters. “You need to have local tournaments for young talent.

“Ten fights every year, 12 fights every year. Then go find opportunities abroad. I am certain that the Saudi boxing program will emerge.”

With follow-up Grand Prix events scheduled for June, August, October, and a grand final in December, the foundation for a new boxing powerhouse is being laid brick by brick.

“The result has shown the greatness of the concept. I am hopeful that next year we will be doing another tournament and give continuity. This is what is needed.”

According to Sulaiman, Saudi Arabia is no longer just a host but becoming a home for elite boxing. “Saudi Arabia had some fights in 2018 and 2019. Then the pandemic came, and it seemed to be finished,” he said.

“And then his excellency came in, brought technology, brought Tyson Fury, the heavyweights … and the talent started coming.”

Next on the calendar is Canelo Alvarez, boxing’s biggest superstar, who will fight in Riyadh on May 3 under a two-year contract.

“It all looks like it’s going to be a continuous effort, continuous promotion,” said Sulaiman. “The world knows Saudi Arabia and boxing together is a great combination.”

Despite the high stakes and elite production, Sulaiman reminded Arab News that boxing’s core identity as a sport of the people remains as powerful as ever.

“Boxing is a sport of poor people. They come from difficulties. They come from opportunities to take a wrong life in the streets,” he said.

“And boxing gives them a change of life – for them, their family, their friends, their neighborhood, their country.”

“Every person that visits Saudi Arabia for a boxing event goes back home as an ambassador of Saudi,” Sulaiman said.

“Because the hospitality, the respect, the beauty of the country – it stays in your heart. It’s a beautiful country with beautiful people.”