Fans return to National Bank Stadium as PSL playoffs begin

KARACHI: Spectators returned to the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday evening as the HBL Pakistan Super League playoffs opened with the Qualifier between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United, bringing crowds back to the venue after matches had been played there for nearly three weeks without fans in attendance.

The return followed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s approval, given almost 24 hours earlier, to allow spectators into the PSL playoffs after a restriction linked to the government’s fuel-saving measures introduced in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

With little time available after the decision, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) moved quickly to put arrangements in place. The short notice, however, affected the ticketing process and created difficulties for many supporters trying to secure entry for the match.

Ticketing problems marred the buildup

Several fans faced problems with the courier company’s website, which had been tasked with online ticket sales. Others waited in long lines outside the company’s two designated centres in hot weather from before the afternoon.

One box office had been established at the China Ground, described as a dusty parking area across from the National Bank Stadium. Fans began arriving there as early as 10:00am. Sales started at 12:00 noon but were halted within an hour. A worker of the ticket vendor told Dawn that people “had literally filed the whole ground” and that sales were stopped after “people started getting violent”.

Sales resumed at the China Ground by 3:00pm, but problems continued. These included issues related to Computerised National Identity Card registrations, while some individual buyers who had paid online remained uncertain after not receiving their tickets. They were reportedly assured they would receive refunds, but still had to purchase physical tickets in order to attend the match.

PSL chief executive officer Salman Naseer later visited the China Ground. Speaking to reporters, he said, “I understand there have been issues and that has been mainly due to the fact that we had to make arrangements [for entry of fans] on a very short notice,” adding that organisers were focused on preparations for Sunday’s final, for which fans had been allowed two days earlier.

Stadium atmosphere changes as crowd fills stands

As the day progressed and the heat eased, the mood among supporters shifted from fatigue and frustration to relief as they obtained tickets and made their way across the pedestrian bridge leading to Gate No. 12 of the stadium.

Once the match got underway, the atmosphere inside the ground changed markedly. The previously empty seats were occupied, and the quiet that had characterised earlier fixtures gave way to chants and crowd noise. Not long after the first ball was bowled, the stands were filled to capacity.

The return of spectators transformed the setting at the historic Karachi venue, where PSL matches had been staged for the previous 20 days without fans. Tuesday’s playoff fixture, however, restored the familiar matchday environment as supporters finally took their places in the stands.