Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is once again facing criticism after #BoycottPSL started trending on social media after Pakistan Super League 2024 (PSL 9) announced KFC Pakistan as their official snack partner. The announcement triggered a wave of criticism due to Israel carrying out genocide in Gaza.
For those who are unaware about the reasoning, KFC is owned by Yum! Brands, a company known for its pro-Israel stance with subsidiaries like Pizza Hut and Taco Bell providing free meals to the IDF soldiers brutally killing Palestinian men, women, and children.
It is pertinent to mention that once the #BoycottPSL started trending on social media, Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) official X (formerly Twitter) handle removed their post announcing the partnership with KFC. However, the tournament’s fans are still not satisfied and continue voicing their opinions.
Here are some reactions on X (formerly Twitter) with #BoycottPSL as boycott PSL 9 for having KFC Pakistan as their official snack sponsor:
Why would they use KFC as PSL partners. We have been boycotting this crap for months for the sake of Palestine and they are playing with our sentiments.
— zaynub (@Heydontfrown) February 17, 2024
No to anything that supports child killers and murders.
We stand with Palestine#BoycottPSL pic.twitter.com/TeKKtyqZZT
The thrill of the game loses its sheen when linked with sponsors like KFC, tied to the suffering in #Palestine.
— Jamshaid 🇵🇸 (@JamshaidMsandhu) February 17, 2024
Is our entertainment worth their tears? #BoycottPSL pic.twitter.com/JDO4BKYBtp
The genocide in Palestine by israeli morons, they are killing people brutally and our authorities are supporting them indirectly by these filthy acts.
— Abiحa🌸❤️ (@vayy_ja_pran_mr) February 17, 2024
A shameful act fr.#BoycottPSL pic.twitter.com/HXXkw1SDfJ
The genocide in Palestine by israeli morons, they are killing people brutally and our authorities are supporting them indirectly by these filthy acts.
— Abiحa🌸❤️ (@vayy_ja_pran_mr) February 17, 2024
A shameful act fr.#BoycottPSL pic.twitter.com/HXXkw1SDfJ
Pakistan Super League has also partnership with several other brands for PSL 9, including TikTok, Osaka Batteries, and Tapal Dandedar.
PSL 9 is all set to commence from tonight at 7:00 pm after a Grand Opening Ceremony at the PCB’s headquarters in Lahore. The event will include performances from major artists like Arif Lohar and Noori alongside anthem singers Ali Zafar and Aima Baig.
As for the first match, Lahore Qalandars will take on Islamabad United at the Qaddafi Stadium and the tournament will be played across four cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Multan. You can check out the complete schedule for PSL 9 matches HERE.