Daily Times

Cricket runs in the blood of the Pakistani nation. But not in the blood of PTV management. The suspension of the live telecast of the Pakistan-Australia second Test in Melbourne has left Pakistani cricket enthusiasts in dismay. The abrupt halt to the match broadcast stems from the intrusion of betting and gambling company surrogate ads on TV screens. This raises critical questions about the management of affairs, the timing of addressing the issue, and the broader implications for PTV’s financial and contractual commitments. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as well as the PTV must be held accountable for this fiasco.

One cannot help but ponder why the issue was not resolved before the commencement of the match. The sudden suspension reflects poorly on the preparedness and foresight of the authorities responsible for ensuring a seamless viewing experience. It leaves cricket aficionados questioning the competence and diligence of those entrusted with the smooth execution of such broadcasts.

The matter at hand, involving virtual ads from betting and gambling entities, highlights the potential impact on PTV’s financial and contractual obligations. The suspension of the telecast not only disappoints fans but also raises concerns about the financial repercussions for PTV and its contractual commitments with cricketing bodies. The question arises: did PTV raise this issue during the agreement negotiations, and if not, why was it overlooked?

The irresponsible management of this issue highlights the pinnacle of unprofessionalism. Pakistani cricket fans are left in the dark without access to the live telecast, a situation that could have been averted with proactive and timely intervention. The lack of a comprehensive policy and the failure to address this matter earlier reveal a troubling disregard for the fans and the sport itself.

The Boxing Day Test blackout exemplifies a failure in the timely and effective resolution of broadcasting challenges. Looking ahead, the unresolved nature of this issue introduces a cloud of uncertainty over the telecasts of upcoming mega-events. If not addressed promptly and with due diligence, the absence of live broadcasts could become an unwelcome and recurring theme, depriving fans of the excitement and joy that cricket, especially major tournaments like the Pakistan Super League, brings.

The handling of this incident is a call to action for authorities to reassess their approach to such challenges. A comprehensive and proactive strategy is essential to prevent the recurrence of blackouts during crucial cricket matches. Fans deserve assurance that the thrill of live broadcasts will be safeguarded, and the sanctity of the game will be preserved. *