LAHORE: Chairman PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) Najam Sethi has claimed that the digital media ratings of this year’s edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023 have been higher than the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Addressing a press conference prior to the final of the HBL PSL 8 at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Saturday, he said the HBL PSL 8 achieved 150 rating points this year against 130 points by the IPL 2022.
He appreciated cricket lovers for the success of the 8th edition of the HBL PSL, acknowledging that the league could not succeed without the support of these die-hard fans.
Najam Sethi said 80 percent footfall was recorded during the HBL PSL 8, adding that he thanked the spectators for watching the matches in the Lahore, Karachi, Multan stadiums and Rawalpindi with a huge attendance.
PCB Chairman on impact of PSL
He further said the HBL PSL had given many stars to Pakistan as well as to world cricket over the past eight years.
Najam Sethi further added HBL PSL provided an opportunity to many cricketers who could not get a chance in other leagues or their national outfits, and these players emerged in the PSL.
About his Dubai visit, Najam Sethi said that upcoming Asia Cup, ICC Men’s ODI World Cup and ICC Men’s Champions Trophy matters would be discussed during the ACC and ICC meeting in Dubai, adding that all options would be tackled regarding the holding of the Asia Cup and ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. He said the foreign security experts had expressed their utmost satisfaction over the security situation in the country.
The Chairman PCB Management Committee said the success of the league had given him the self-belief that the PSL may be held in any part of the world, adding that some of the PSL fixtures may be held in the United States of America (USA) as we have been invited to do so.
On the addition of more teams in the HBL PSL, he remarked that he has taken up the idea of adding two more teams in the PSL 9 with the franchises, adding that the HBL PSL model would be reviewed after the 10th edition of the league. He said the PCB has been overseeing the affairs of the Pakistan Women League.
Sethi said cricket stadiums in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and Karachi would be renovated and expanded within the next six months.
Chairman Najam Sethi said the schedule of the Pakistan-New Zealand series had been revised in view of the Punjab Assembly elections on April 30.
