Karachi:
If you live in a country that loves Pakistan, India, or any other cricket, there is no way that you do not know me. Many of you were probably just children when Uncle Zaka Ashraf thought about starting the league in Pakistan by being influenced by the growing dominance of India by the Indian Premier League. He spent millions, designed a logo, even brought people from abroad – but still, this plan could not be prepared. And likewise, I was locked in the record room collecting dust.
Then Uncle Najam Sethi came. Although he did not formally raise the chairman’s label because of some obstacles, everyone knew that he was more powerful than Chairman Sher Khan. People will say that he had no idea about cricket – how can he organize the league? But he proved everyone wrong. Even the people inside the board opposed it, but he became like Salman Khan in the wanted – “Once I make a pledge, I do not listen to myself.”
He had a lot of difficulty in selling the team franchises, but then Nadeem Omar, Rana Brothers (Atif and Sameen), Ali Naqvi, Javed Afridi, and Salman Iqbal believed in me. They spent their valuable time and money, and introduced me to the world.
At that time, Pakistan’s security situation was not ideal for inviting foreign players, so Uncle Sethi held matches in Dubai. People who expect financial destruction, were surprised to see me earning PCB income – even the franchisees made some money. The next year, the final was held in Lahore, thanks to Uncle Nadeem and Uncle Javed, who agreed to come to Pakistan.
Now, it looks like I’m boasting, but I’m not ashamed to say: I played a key role in bringing international cricket back to the country. My presence helped to overcome the fear, and the players slowly forgotten the Sri Lankan team’s attack in Lahore and returned to Pakistan. Today, Pakistan is able to host the ICC Champions Trophy and is currently hosting the Women’s World Cup qualifier – all this is possible because of me. I also helped to expose new abilities.
Look at the leagues in Bangladesh or Sri Lanka – they have struggled. Even England have not been able to establish “sleep” properly. I never claimed to be like an IPL, but don’t think me less. In front of me, the PCB relied only on the ICC’s annual fund. Yes, broadcasting rights helped, but now, I am one of the biggest sources of board taxes. The PCB is now regarded as one of the richest boards in the world, thanks to me.
Generally, parents value the child who supports the house – but not in my case. For the past few years, I have felt alone. I have now shown me angry with me, and it hurts me. Who fruits the tree? Still, it feels like some of my people are trying to cut my roots. The world praises me, but some are very busy finding internal mistakes. What do they hope to get from it? If their criticism hurts me, then what will they do?
If I ask you to name some of the big business tricks in Pakistan, you don’t know. But every child knows the names of the PSL franchise owners. Matters with the actual five mamas were fine – they took the real danger, they did not know whether they would get anything. But when the sixth came, the trouble started. The first one escaped by announcing a bankruptcy. Since then he has been raising his voice about new losses. No one forced them to join the PSL – if they were out, they could leave. But no, they just want to accuse me.
Yes, I know there are problems: Different fees for each team, but shares of equal profit; No permanent rights. Even when Lahore fills Qalandar or other stadiums, the gate money is divided equally. These matters need to be resolved. Sethi Uncle and Salman Sarwar Butt designed this model – it should not have been. Now, with rising prices, the fees will increase even more. Multan Sultan already pays rupees. 1.08 billion, and it’s out of other costs. Maybe that’s why they criticize me.
If you hate me a lot, let him go. There are even more interested in investing in Pakistani cricket. They can come. Ali Bhai, who used to silence his mic in meetings, now raise his voice in the media. The problem in this country is, the more negative you are, the more your video goes viral. Just check YouTube – positive content barely finds.
Uncle Mohsin Naqvi should investigate who is trying to tarnish my name. He should advise them – and if they don’t listen, tell them: “If you are very upset then leave – we will find someone else.”
Uncle Salman Naseer has started to take care of me well, but he cannot do everything alone. It needs a team.
PSL competitive cricket has also been praised against the IPL – so why not make me bigger? The more you help me, the more benefit you. But if you want to turn me into a Bangladeshi league, go ahead, whatever you want. But I’m sure none of you really wants it.
