Pre-final press conference in PSL 2024© X (Twitter)
Ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 final, an epic drama unfolded in the media room at the pre-event press conference. As journalists gathered in the room for the Multan Sultans’ presser, a verbal clash took place between them and the franchise’s media manager. It was Multan coach Abdul Rehman who arrived to speak to media but the reporters weren’t happy with the manager’s behaviour. The journalists were displeased by the proceedings and the manager asked them to leave if they wanted to. Some decided to take heed and walk out of the room.
“Jo nahin baithna chahta, woh nahin baithe. Koi issue nahin hai. (If anyone doesn’t want to attend the press conference, they can leave. No issues),” the media manager said.
Time and again, Pakistan cricket has made headlines for wrong reasons. Recently, the national team’s fast bowler Naseem Shah said that there’s a culture of insecurity.
Naseem Shah came out in the open about the culture of insecurity in the national side, saying senior players are afraid of taking breaks to rest their bodies, fearing replacement by younger players. Shah, who was ruled out of the 50-over World Cup in India last year due to a shoulder problem, added that even he was afraid about losing his place in the side due to the injury.
“Honestly, the main players are afraid of giving their bodies rest even when they know they need a break because the Pakistan cricket culture is such that if a new player comes in and performs in a match or two, you don’t know if he will replace you permanently in the team,” Shah told Cricwick.
“This fear does not allow players to rest because you are scared your careers could end there,” the young bowler said.
Naseem said there was a need for clarity and better communication between senior players, team management, selectors and the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“In other countries, if a main player is given a break he is assured he will not be dropped in case his replacement comes in and performs in a match or two,” he said.
With PTI inputs
Topics mentioned in this article
Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
