Coldplay’s Pakistan

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A few days ago, I was sitting in an airport lounge in Dubai, waiting for my flight back to Karachi. Nearby, there was a large group of young boys and girls, all Pakistani, engrossed in chatting in English. I asked one of the “burger-class” youth sitting next to me if they had gone to the UAE for some college activity. He replied, “No, we went for the Coldplay concert. We all love Chris Martin.”

To be honest, I’m a simple man. I know about Arijit Singh, Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Kishore Kumar, but my familiarity with Coldplay is limited to the fact that they’re a musical group that has held successful shows in India and more recently in Abu Dhabi. Pakistani elites, unable to host such shows in their own country, fulfilled this desire by flying to the UAE. Just the ticket for such an event would cost a fortune in Pakistani rupees, not to mention airfare and accommodation expenses. This is the Pakistan of “Coldplay”—a world where money is no object. These people are never in short supply at high-end restaurants and shopping malls.

Then there’s the other Pakistan, where people toil from morning to evening just to afford two meals a day. Let’s bring this comparison to cricket: just as no musical superstar visits Pakistan for concerts, foreign cricket teams also stayed away for years. Matches were held in the UAE, and on rare occasions, the elite class flew there to watch. The ordinary Pakistani, however, remained deprived of the chance to watch live matches.

Now that the Champions Trophy is happening here, you can imagine its significance. With tickets priced at a few hundred or thousand rupees, anyone can witness their favorite local and international stars in action. Without such events, even dreaming of going to Dubai would be out of reach for most people. Although a few matches are still being held in the UAE due to India’s stubbornness, the long drought of international events in Pakistan has finally ended.

A year ago, a senior PCB official invited me to watch a match from his box at the Gaddafi Stadium. Believe me, I left within minutes because it was impossible to understand what was happening on the ground without watching it on TV. The view was equally poor from any enclosure. When Mohsin Naqvi took up the task of upgrading the stadiums, many criticized the tight timeline, but the work is almost complete now. He prioritized improving the viewing experience for spectators, which is the most crucial aspect. Delays in such massive projects are inevitable.

In the US, for instance, the Nassau County Stadium in New York was handed over to the ICC just days before the first match of the World Cup . As much criticism as there is now, when we see the revamped venues in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, there will be equal praise.

Pakistan’s film industry is nearly dead, and public interest in other sports is minimal. Dining out at popular restaurants has become the only form of entertainment for most people, which has taken a toll on public health. In this scenario, cricket matches can provide quality entertainment for the masses.

With a triangular series, the Champions Trophy, and then the PSL lined up, it’s crucial to focus on providing the best facilities to fans now that the venues are ready. Despite free entry in Multan, there was a low turnout for Test matches. For an event like the Champions Trophy, it must be ensured that no stadium remains empty. Ticket prices should be set with affordability in mind.

Facilities like clean washrooms, quality food at reasonable prices, and parking areas close to stadiums are essential. Shuttle services should be arranged to transport ticket holders to the venue. While security is critical, it should not inconvenience the public. Instead of multiple security checks, there should be one thorough checkpoint before allowing entry.

To create a festive atmosphere during matches, pre-game and halftime performances by singers can be arranged. Lucky draws with prizes like bikes and TVs (easily secured through sponsorships) can engage the audience. Post-match, lucky fans could meet players and take selfies.

For the PSL, filling stadiums should be left to franchise owners. For example, Atif Rana has successfully filled the Gaddafi Stadium multiple times for Lahore Qalandars’ matches. He and other owners should be tasked with this responsibility again. Offering ticket bundles with jerseys or caps could enhance the experience. Imagine one stand filled with fans wearing Qalandars’ jerseys and another with Kings’ supporters. It would create an electrifying atmosphere.

Mohsin Naqvi has already proven his capabilities by upgrading stadiums. He is determined to deliver what he promises. Now, the focus should shift to providing top-notch facilities for fans. The Champions Trophy may have fewer matches, but future events should include games in other cities beyond the three regular venues. A portion of the revenue can be allocated to further upgrade stadiums.

One by one, as the venues improve, a time will come when Pakistan will host the World Cup, and multiple cities will be ready for the matches. That day doesn’t seem too far away.

What do you think?