Islamabad United Vs Multan Sultans PSL Final 2024:
The stage is set for a thrilling finale to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 season as Islamabad United and Multan Sultans are poised for a showdown today (March 18th). Yet before the action kicks off, cricket in Pakistan has once again been shaken by controversy.
Specifically, the pre-match press conference, slated to feature Multan's team, was disrupted. Instead of the head coach or senior players, assistant coach Abdul Rahman was presented to address the media, sparking demands for more prominent team representatives.
Manager's Outburst Leads to Offensive Exchange with Journalists
Journalists called for captain Mohammad Rizwan or a senior player to be present at the press conference. This request triggered the team manager who responded with profanity. Sports journalist Ehsan Khan reported the incident on social media, revealing that following the manager's rudeness, journalists boycotted the press conference.
A widely shared video captures journalists walking out of the press briefing. It shows a reporter confronting the manager, and as discussions fall through, journalists depart one by one. Abdul Rahman was later seen leaving as well.
'If You Don't Wish to Sit, You Can Leave'
Ehsan Khan's video further highlighted the manager telling the press, 'We won’t entertain your demands. If you do not wish to sit, you're free to leave.' Reporters were merely requesting the presence of the captain or a senior player at the conference, but the manager's retort led to the collective walkout.
Islamabad United in Their Third Final
Multan Sultans are competing in their fourth consecutive final. After claiming the title in 2021, they faced defeat against Lahore Qalandars in the 2022 and 2023 finals. Meanwhile, Islamabad United marks their third PSL final, their last being in 2018.
Previously, Islamabad United boasted victories in their two finals (2016 and 2018). Multan Sultans overcame Peshawar Zalmi in the qualifier, whereas Islamabad United defeated Quetta Gladiators and Zalmi in the eliminators to secure their spot in the final.
