The Pakistani cricketer Salman Ali Agha has taken ownership of the lack of standard in their international cricketing performances. He was asked regarding the low fan turnout in stadiums and he stated that they haven’t played good enough cricket to attract crowds into the stadium. The Pakistan Super League has been constantly taunted with questions regarding the decision of the board to conduct the league behind closed doors.

“It would have been an altogether different tournament (PSL) if crowds were allowed to watch the matches but honestly, our international performances haven’t been great enough to attract crowds,” said Salman Ali Agha.

Pakistan star takes accountability as declining performances and off-field decisions impact fan engagement

Salman Ali Agha admitted that the lack of atmosphere in the Pakistan Super League and at international matches isn’t just because of the logistical or security issues, but due to the lack of quality in the cricket that they have displayed. He stated that crowds haven’t been encouraged by the team’s performance to attend the matches in the stadium. The Pakistan national team’s performance has been below par and the fans themselves are distraught with the performance of their side.

Pakistan had faced a tough phase a couple of years back when they couldn’t play home matches and they were forced to relocate their home venue to UAE. When cricket returned home after years of waiting, the fans were just happy that cricket returned to their home soil. But now, the fans have been critical about the performance of their side and are demanding more. Salman Ali Agha held the Pakistan team, including himself, accountable for the lack of interest from the fans.

The Pakistan Super League has long prided itself on having the most electric atmosphere in the franchise leagues across the world. But now, with the shortage of resources that they are facing, their decision to conduct the league behind closed doors has backfired their reputation. Many of the players have expressed their concern to play in front of massive crowds rather than just sound effects. PCB themselves haven’t been fixed on the reasoning behind the decision as initially they cited security reasons and then they cited reasons regarding fuel shortages.

Salman Ali Agha has expressed his concern regarding the lack of interest in fans but they will have to step up their game. If Pakistan cricket is to be revived, then they will have to play some good cricket and encourage their fans to come in large numbers to support their home team.