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Almost 80,000 fans watched Multan leg of PSL 2020, says PCB

By Web Desk

March 01, 2020

The trio of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 matches at Multan Cricket Stadium were attended by a combined audience of almost 80,000, according to a press release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The three fixtures played across four days – which marked the first time of the league being held in Multan – saw rousing crowds at the 24,800-capacity Multan Cricket Stadium, the press release said.

The PCB had promised in 2019 to stage the HBL PSL in Multan which is in line with its policy to take cricket in every nook and corner of the country and make the game accessible to fans all across the country, it added.

The PCB said it had allocated a budget of Rs2 billion for the renovation of cricket stadiums in Multan and Rawalpindi, with a big chunk of it was invested on the Multan Cricket Stadium.

The press release said that in addition to full house inside the stadium, the matches in Multan had "almost the same number ... waiting outside the gates to watch their cricketing heroes".

“Our stay in Multan has been a memorable one, thanks to the warmth and hospitality of the people of Multan. The support of the crowd was phenomenal in all three games and I hope that the home fans are proud of the performances that we put up before them," said Multan Sultans head coach Andy Flower.

“The atmosphere in the stadium was electric throughout all the matches and the fans showed great passion and love for the game.

“I would definitely rate this venue as one of the best ones in the world and look forward to coming back with Multan soon.”

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan also commented on the Multan leg of PSL 2020, saying that “high-profile cricket was returning to Multan after a long gap of 12 years and the people of Multan well and truly embraced its return. The scenes at the Multan Cricket Stadium were extraordinary and each and every fan in the stands made their presence felt by cheering every shot and wicket.

“These scenes, however, were not only limited to the stands. People in Multan have serious passion for cricket and one could feel that in every part of the city.

“The addition of another venue in the HBL PSL roaster must have delighted every Pakistan cricket fan. This is yet another major milestone in the PCB’s efforts to return to normalcy and that Multan leg of the HBL PSL turned out to be a success is largely due to the cricket-loving people of the city.

“These are the encouraging signs for the PCB and our next aim is to bring international cricket back to the city.”