KARACHI: Cricket lovers across the country are disappointed by the fact that there is no Urdu commentary during broadcast of Pakistan Super League matches.
More than 90 percent of Pakistan’s population does not understand English and so is unable to enjoy commentary, which adds to the amusement of viewers, a survey conducted by ‘The News’ revealed.
It may be recalled here that the Supreme Court has ordered the government to make Urdu the official language.
Pakistan is a cricket-crazy country and all lovers of the game desperately wanted to see international matches here and were waiting for Pakistan’s first professional cricket league, but they are frustrated because of the English commentary which they are unable to grasp.
Former Test and ODI cricketer Jalaluddin said that people were waiting keenly for PSL and it would be better if arrangements were made for Urdu commentary.
He said the PCB’s good work would spread from one part of the country to the other through commentary in Urdu.
Former first-class cricketer Bharat Kumar said that people were jubilant over the country’s first professional league, but it would have been more enjoyable had there been Urdu commentary.
Bharat said there was still time for PCB as a number of interesting matches were yet to be played. “They should take notice and issued directives for Urdu commentary. It would delight the common citizens,” he said.
Mohibullah, a shop owner in Nazimabad, said that he could not understand the match situation sometimes because of the absence of commentary in Urdu.
He said that Indian channels arranged commentary both in English and Hindi, due to which the engagement of common citizens was higher in their professional league.
Another young man Muhammad Imran said that Urdu commentary must be part of PSL matches because it would attract all citizens. “From the beginning of the matches to the prize distribution ceremony everything is explained but in English which puts tens of millions of Pakistanis at a disadvantage,” Imran said.
A group of government school students in Landhi and Malir appealed to the PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan to issue orders for doing Urdu commentary in the remaining matches so that each and every Pakistani might enjoy each and every moment of the league.