3 min read
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing mounting criticism just days ahead of the launch of the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), as a large-scale boycott campaign gains momentum across the country and beyond. The tournament, set to commence on April 11 with an elaborate opening ceremony, is being overshadowed by public outrage over its selection of sponsors allegedly linked to Israel.
While the PCB had promised a “bigger and better” PSL, public enthusiasm has been dampened by calls from civil society and activists to boycott the league. The core issue at hand concerns various brands continuing to receive boycott pressure within Muslim countries due to Israeli funding or operational relations.
The worldwide criticism arises because Israel launched military operations against Gaza starting when Hamas launched its attack in October of 2023. Multiple recent reports indicate the offensive operations have killed more than 50,000 Palestinians while injuring tens of thousands of other Palestinians. The assault destroyed critical infrastructure, leading to millions of displaced residents who face extreme difficulties accessing essential services like food, water, and healthcare assistance.
The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement serves as a Palestinian-led worldwide initiative that prompts both consumers and organizations to avoid business with entities that profit from Israel’s military activities. Several of these companies, including KFC and Pepsi, are among the sponsors of PSL 10, prompting widespread condemnation.
Social media platforms have seen an outpouring of criticism, with thousands of users calling on the public to disengage from the league. Critics have accused the PCB of ignoring public sentiment and aligning with sponsors that many view as complicit in the ongoing violence in Gaza.
“In Palestine, our brothers are dying, and we are busy celebrating PSL,” a user stated on X.
“Boycott PSL until they remove sponsorship from Zionist brands. I request everyone not just to post about boycotting but to actually do it—don’t watch a single match until these sponsorships end,” another user remarked.
“Boycott PSL. Especially since they are looking for sponsors from betting companies. #PSLX,” one post read.
“Boycott K.F.C and Pepsi-sponsored PSL. Shame on PCB…!” stated another social media user.
“Boycott, boycott, boycott. If you have faith, boycott PSL. PSL sponsors include KFC and Pepsi. If you don’t boycott PSL, you are also a murderer of innocent children. #PSL10 #boycottpsl #غزة_تُباد,” read a widely shared tweet.
The campaign has resonated particularly strongly among younger audiences and online activists, many of whom have shared boycott posters, graphics, and videos across platforms such as Twitter (X), Instagram, and TikTok.
In addition to the sponsor-related concerns, some fans have expressed frustration with the overall state of Pakistan cricket, citing recent international losses as another reason to boycott the tournament.
However, the PCB has not issued any formal response to the controversy, nor have any of the league’s key sponsors addressed the growing public criticism.
