If you’re watching PSL, you’re probably loving the on-field action, but what about the off field coverage?
PSL is an extravaganza. It is a cricket mela that takes the nation along on a one-month festival full of color, action, antics, and lots of cricket! Pakistan showcases its talent to the world and also pulls off a huge six (many sixes) as we host foreign players on our cricket grounds. Safe to say, PSL has had its fair share of challenges with Covid, security issues, and covid bubbles, however, PSL 7 has got it off the ground with flair. The TikTok collaboration is perhaps, a great step towards involving the youth in a tournament that welcomes all – overnight turned cricket lovers and those who are passionate about the game.
However, after counting our wins, here’s a space where PSL needs to up its ‘game’.
The commentary & presenter panel, though it boasts veterans in the game – ranging from David Gower to Sana Mir – we made sure we covered all bases there, seems to be missing a je n’sais pas! There is the foreign component flaunting their kurta pyjamas, the female component with competent players who impart expert comments on the game and of course, there is a dose of glamour especially with Erin Holland flaunting her wardrobe on the field – but is that enough?
Here’s what’s missing (for me) and how PSL commentary needs to take it to the next level – yeah, Level Hai but perhaps the Level needs to be recalibrated?
Don’t get me wrong, the commentary panel is very accomplished, but, do they need to add in the swag? Get to know more about them here:
14 Reasons Why We’re Looking Forward To The Off Field PSL Coverage! Watch Video Here
1. Brands Galore?
We get it, you need the brands. But TikTok chaukas and foodpanda deliveries need to have a purpose to the game. Brand intelligently, creatively, subtly. And here comes my pitch, have you watched how Pakistani YouTubers slip in branding while talking cricket?
Now imagine if Bazid Khan with his cricket expertise & Junaid Akram with his tongue & cheek comments had a go at the Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars. Unfortunately, Karachi has drowned all hopes for Karachi fans, but trust Junaid to find a punch line and a message in that too!
Branding is required but branding needs to spin itself round the game, not the other way round. Appeal to all brand marketers to get creative and involve our very out of the box content creators to jump on the bandwagon – can you imagine the party online!
2. On Field Histrionics Deserve Swift Off Field Comments!
Naseem Shah is hit for a big one by Fakhar Zaman who smiles ear to ear, right in his face, relishing the moment. Naseem is about to throttle him with his looks, however, the camera man caught what the commentators might have missed. I’m not even talking sensationalism or what transpired between Cutting & Tanveer recently – not a good parallel. But I would like to listen to some amusing banter – uncut, unedited and spontaneous . Don’t know if the people behind the scenes have been told to keep it low, safe and bowl with a straight (boring) line and length.
Where are the googlys? There’s so much action happening on the field, every match. The subsequent twitter memes are awesome, if nothing else, pick up on the memes guys and gals, and feature them in the next day’s play! Why not, says the PSL me, this is serious cricket but with a festive twist to it – be bold, daring and refreshing, just like the players on the field!
3. Female Presenters & Commentators
It has taken a lifetime for you to be taken seriously in a field that was heavily and territorially dominated by the opposite sex, and we understand that. For you to make your mark and be known for your expertise and not your sense of style (though our commentators have both) was a struggle indeed. But, and this is sincere advice, cut yourself some slack. Sit back and enjoy the ride, You’ve earned it.
Is it just me or I feel that our commentators need to loosen up a bit, crack a few light ones, give us some amusing anecdotes – you have a library of them I’m sure. Or tell us how it was in your first few days, We want to know the poignant and the fun bits, but we’re not getting anything other than, Shoaib Malik hit that for a six! Yes, commentary is your thing, but there’s a sea of information we want you to impart. My mind goes back to greats like Richie Benaud, which brings me to my next point!
4. Learn From the Greats!
I guarantee you’ll wear a smile on your face by the time you finish watching this clip by the commentary great, the man himself, Richie Benaud. There’s no harm in polishing your public speaking skills folks and we are lucky for YouTube to give us the best of the best. Watch as many as you can, practice, practice practice. You might KNOW the game, but do you have the gift of the gab? Anything and everything can be learnt if you have the passion to give it your all!
5. A Sprinkle Of Magic YouTuber Dust Might Work Magic
Like I said earlier, it’s great PCB has taken on TikTok, but what about reigning in our YouTubers to pull off some thought provoking takes, lighter takes and fun, fun fun? CBA Arslan Naseer does it best in this recent video he posted on the 1st half of PSL 2022. His Cricomedy hands out messages, drops the comic element on our cricketing heroes, stays on track, nothing offensive there, it’s all in good fun and yet, it stays with you. the kind of commentary you’d hit the share button with, every time!
So here’s the thing. Do you have it in you PCB, to give creativity a chance? Let your commentators speak their mind, add to the color, camaraderie and sportsmanship that is league cricket and allow the fans watching live PSL get in on the fun! If Twitter can do it, so can you!
Oh and here are a few fun facts of the PSL presenters and commentators panel which you might not know .
