The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 is set to kick off on February 17, but fans across Pakistan are calling for a boycott of the tournament. Their protest stems from the decision to partner with KFC, a well-known American fast-food chain, as an official snacks sponsor. Fans are upset about the involvement of an American company, citing the United States’ support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Palestine.

Boycott PSL for Gaza.

Boycott is neither a favor nor a generosity on your part. Rather, it has become a mandatory matter, and it is the weakest of faith and the least that can be offered to support our people in Gaza. #BoycottPSL#shame_on_you @thePSLt20 pic.twitter.com/vLewNfmLXW

— Umer Farooq (@ya_habibi_) February 17, 2024

Boycott PSL Over KFC Partnership 

The situation in the Middle East has escalated, with Israel launching retaliatory attacks on Gaza following Hamas’ actions. Tragically, innocent civilians, including women and children, have lost their lives in the violence. In light of these events, many fans believe that supporting a tournament associated with an American company sends the wrong message and goes against their principles.

Boycott PSL for the children and people of ghaza.Shamefully the are announcing their sponsor, who is the killer of our people. Everyone should that they neither buy PSL tickets nor watch the Match#BoycottPSL pic.twitter.com/53d63a7Kjn

— Majid Khan (@majidkhan123411) February 17, 2024

The PSL holds significant importance in Pakistan, being the second most popular T20 cricket competition globally after the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) earns millions from the tournament, which attracts top international players to compete for six franchises.

Impact of Political Concerns on Sports Sponsorships

Since its inception in 2015, the league has seen eight seasons, with Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars emerging as the only teams to have won the title twice. Notably, the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, successfully defended their title in PSL 2023.

Wth? A Muslim country's sports league collaborating with food chain that supports genocide in Gaza??? This is where I draw the line and cancel my plan!!!
Lanat!
Don't buy tickets!@thePSLt20#BoycottPSL#NoKFCinPSL pic.twitter.com/euEbMkHjsS

— free palestineッ🇵🇸🇵🇰 (@free_falasteen_) February 16, 2024

The league operates on a double round-robin format in the group stage, with the top four franchises advancing to the playoffs. Apart from Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultans, Quetta Gladiators, and Karachi Kings have all clinched the title at least once.

The call for boycotting the PSL 2024 underscores the broader impact of sports sponsorships and partnerships. It also highlights the intersection of sports, politics, and public sentiment. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the PCB and PSL organizers will address the concerns raised by fans regarding their choice of sponsors.