PUBG ban will suppress talent, hurt pro gamers and esports in Pakistan: Arslan Ash

PUBG ban will suppress talent, hurt pro gamers and esports in Pakistan: Arslan Ash

By Web Desk
July 07, 2020
Arslan insists that gamers are severely affected due to the ban on PUBG. 

Pakistan’s top gamer Arslan ‘Ash’ Siddiqui has condemned the ban on PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG), and explained that the already marginalised gaming fraternity now faces more tribulation as the government's decision shuts another door on youth to make money from.

Days after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) banned PUBG after a series of its young gamers in Pakistan committed suicide, Siddiqui stepped up to plead the gaming community's case.

The 24-year-old pro gamer, in a video on his YouTube channel, cited how a team from Pakistan was to take part in an international PUBG tournament but will not be able to do so now due to its ban. 

"The ban will not see the qualifying team participate in the world finals. It's upsetting to see," he said. 

"The team worked day in and day out but their efforts have gone to waste. Who will be held responsible for this?" 

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The unified Tekken champion said that as most of the gaming events were cancelled due to the pandemic, mobile gaming in general and PUBG in particular was booming and emerging as a way for professional gamers to make a living.

"One could still compete in PUBG from the comfort of their own home ... so banning the game is only suppressing more talent and is injustice for them as there is potential that they can make the country proud."  

Furthermore, the Tekken star spoke of the lack of investment in esports and said that people needed to appreciate the community just like they support the national cricket team.   

"I'm not criticising cricket but we're being neglected. People celebrated the PSL 2020 coming home but no one saw when I brought international players to Pakistan to compete," he rued.

"I was very happy when the Pakistan Cricket Board invited me to the PSL and appreciated me. In a similar fashion, the gaming community needs this support."

READ: Empty stadiums but teeming game rooms, Arslan Ash on esports' rise during lockdown

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