PSL is a global success with brand value of over $330m.

Byline: Khalil Ahmed

Interview with Muhammad Talha - a passionate cricket analyst

PAGE: Tell me something about yourself and your career please:

Muhammad Talha: I am working in Arif Habib Group for last 12 years. Before joining Arif Habib Group, I have served in Al-Abbas Group, Ghulam Farooq Group and EY Ford Rhodes and had gained experience in diversified sectors serving clients spanning the Financial, Manufacturing and real estate sectors. I have served as a Director in Safemix Concrete Products Limited. I am currently holding the directorships of Karachi Sports Foundation and Naya Nazimabad Maintenance Company (Pvt) Ltd.

My current engagements include the overall set up, construction and management of an estate of the art Gymkhana Club, 500-bedded tertiary care hospital facility, education, sports facilities and Islamic Center at Naya Nazimabad, Karachi.

PAGE: Could you tell us about the marketing strategy and the value of Pakistan Super League?

Muhammad Talha: PSL is a global success and marketing is one of the reasons for it. The live coverage of PSL spans around the world to facilitate overseas Pakistanis and make sure that they are up to date with all the sports events. It is mostly streamed on YouTube, different applications and on websites like Tapmad, Willow tv, Cricketgateway.com. etc.

The viewership averages millions from outside Pakistan which generate huge revenue. Having a large crowd in the stands attracts sponsors and that is why top-notch brands sponsor their favorite teams every year. Souvenirs are given to the national heroes in all fields so that it would motivate younger generation to come and showcase their talents in any field and make Pakistan proud. If you compare PSL with BBL, there is not much difference between the two leagues, although, PSL's viewership is more than the BBL's viewership. As of now, the brand value of PSL is more than $330 million.

PAGE: Local stadiums such as Naya Nazimabad Cricket Stadium play a crucial role in nurturing talent for PSL. Your views.

Muhammad Talha: Domestic cricket for any Test playing nation is an important part of their cricketing system and for Pakistan, where players are usually evolved playing tape ball cricket on streets or playing on cemented pitches on rough grounds. There are not much trough pitches available in Pakistan especially in Karachi. Young players do not have enough facilities to flourish their talent. There are only fewer grounds in which trough pitches are...