Since its inception, 3 years ago, the <strong>Pakistan Super League (PSL)</strong> has grown leaps and bounds. It is safe to say that the success of the league added to Pakistan’s cause of reviving International cricket in their country. The smooth execution of the final in Lahore last year gave a glimpse of the possibility that cricket could be played without any untoward incidents.

However, even though the league boasts of great individual success, it has been plagued by controversies like all other T20 leagues. In fact, controversies in Pakistan cricket, in particular, are inevitable. While fans and cricket lovers across the globe gear up and await the return of cricket in <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/karachi-kings-captain-imad-wasim-hopeful-to-take-his-team-to-the-final-of-psl-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karachi</a></strong>, let’s reflect on the league’s roller-coaster of a journey by remembering some controversies that authorities must be looking to avoid this year. Here are 5 major controversies in the PSL:

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-142340" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Khalid-Latif.jpg" alt="Khalid Latif" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-142340" class="wp-caption-text">Suspended Pakistani cricketer Khalid Latif (L) and his lawyer. (Photo by ARIF ALI/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Initially, fans had a lot to cheer about as PSL was coming to Pakistan but they were also subjected to some disappointment as PCB first suspended and then banned six cricketers <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/pakistani-opener-sharjeel-khan-seeks-justice-pm-shahid-khan-abbasi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sharjeel Khan</strong></a>, Khalid Latif, Nasir Jamshed, Mohammed Irfan, Shahzaib Hasan and Mohammed Nawaz. Following allegations of match-fixing during the opening match of PSL 2016 between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United in UAE.

The incident came under the public eye when Sharjeel, Latif and Irfan were questioned by the anti-corruption officials, and the then PSL chairman Najam Sethi claimed to have evidence of the link between bookie and players. Irfan and Jamshed were banned for one year. Sharjeel was found guilty of five counts of the charges and banned for five years. Latif also got the same punishment. Nawaz was suspended too, for two months, on May for not reporting suspect bookie approach.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-118166" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Peshawar-Zalmi-2.jpg" alt="Peshawar Zalmi" width="600" height="436" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-118166" class="wp-caption-text">Peshawar Zalmi. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

PCB chairman Najam Sethi was doing all he could to fulfil his promise of bringing cricket back to their homeland but it did not come without a series of problems. First, a terror attack on February 13 meant that staging the final in Lahore was a challenge in itself. Secondly, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bcci-threatens-break-away-icc-hosting-rights-taken-away/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ICC</strong></a> was not convinced. Sethi, however, made it happen. This year too, the controversy has a part two to it.

Tempted by the success of his move last year, Sethi took it upon himself to fulfil his promise of bringing cricket back to Karachi in 2018. Recently, security experts Reg Dickason and Richard Dennis witnessed a full dress rehearsal for the final in Karachi. Their final report will decide the course of their approach. However, as seen during World XI as well as Sri Lanka’s tours of Pakistan, unprecedented security arrangements were made- with 20,000 military and police officials guarding the visiting players and the stadium.

In all probability, the report is expected to be positive. Earlier, Sethi and Co. had to seek permission from states Punjab and Sindh and make sure they had their support and co-operation.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-113150" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kevin-Pietersen-1.jpg" alt="Kevin Pietersen" width="600" height="391" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-113150" class="wp-caption-text">Kevin Pietersen. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The final of the PSL last year was played in Lahore. Though some foreign players made the trip, but many stayed away because of concerns about security. Many agreed initially but pulled out later because of a terror attack in the country just days before their trip. High profile players like <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kevin-pietersen-unsure-of-traveling-to-pakistan-for-psl-playoffs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kevin Pietersen</strong></a>, Tymal Mills, and Luke Wright took to Twitter to talk about their withdrawal from the final and while a lot of people from Pakistan agreed with and supported the decision on social media, they were majorly flooded with unsavoury replies.

All those who did not agree to play were called cowards, unprofessional and disloyal. Wright pointed out, they all have families and will not want to take a chance. In fact, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, who were in the bus that was shot at in 2009, had already refused to play in Lahore even if their teams reached the final. Former Pakistan cricketer <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/imran-khans-former-wife-flees-pakistan-reportedly-due-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Imran Khan</strong></a> also criticized the decision to have the final in Lahore, saying “What message of peace will we send out in such conditions?”

4. Legendary players uninvited for opening ceremony

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-136869" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Younis-Khan.jpg" alt="Younis Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-136869" class="wp-caption-text">Pakistan&#8217;s Younis Khan. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

There were controversies on political as well as personal basis after the opening ceremony. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sarfraz-ahmed-needs-to-perform-individually-younis-khan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Younis Khan</strong></a> was not seen in the ceremony. On being asked, PCB stated that the invitation was sent to his home in Mardan. This gave a negative impression from PCB for and Khan lashed out saying, ”I was not invited for the ceremony. They ignored my accomplishments for Pakistan and my achievements in T20 cricket. But in a way it is good because they have sent me a clear message that where I stand as far as the PSL is concerned and if I will be a part of it or not. It doesn&#8217;t matter to me at this stage of my career but it is disappointing not being invited for the PSL launch after having served Pakistan cricket for so long.”

Moreover, legend players who have served <strong>Pakistan cricket</strong> for decades like Imran Khan, Wasim Bari, Javed Miandad, Sarfraz Nawaz were also not invited to the ceremony. Even former heads of the board, based in Lahore, including Ijaz Butt, Khalid Mehmood, Tauqir Zia and Zaka Ashraf were all conspicuous by their absence from the PSL opening ceremony.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-54722" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Wahab-Riaz-Ahmed-Shehzad.jpg" alt="Wahab and Shehzad" width="640" height="337" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-54722" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators in 2016 grabbed the headlines for all the wrong reasons. An ugly mid-pitch clash between Wahab Riaz and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ahmed-shehzad-vows-to-come-back-stronger-after-loss-in-the-one-day-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ahmed Shehzad</strong></a> too place. Both these high-profile players were fined portions of their match fees. The ugly incident took place during Gladiators’ innings after Riaz dismissed Shehzad. The batsman hit Wahab Riaz for a six over mid-wicket off the first ball of the fifth over. He then knocked over Shehzad’s stumps off the very next ball.

He let out a huge scream and looked the batsman in the eye. Shehzad replied by pointing his bat towards the bowler and with a few words. The players then came together, and it looked as if Riaz then gave the harder push. Teammates gathered around to diffuse the situation. Shahid Afridi was seen calming down Riaz, while Shehzad’s batting partner stepped in to stop him from reacting to Riaz’s shove.

<p>Since its inception, 3 years ago, the <strong>Pakistan Super League (PSL)</strong> has grown leaps and bounds. It is safe to say that the success of the league added to Pakistan’s cause of reviving International cricket in their country. The smooth execution of the final in Lahore last year gave a glimpse of the possibility that cricket could be played without any untoward incidents.</p>
<p>However, even though the league boasts of great individual success, it has been plagued by controversies like all other T20 leagues. In fact, controversies in Pakistan cricket, in particular, are inevitable. While fans and cricket lovers across the globe gear up and await the return of cricket in <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/karachi-kings-captain-imad-wasim-hopeful-to-take-his-team-to-the-final-of-psl-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karachi</a></strong>, let’s reflect on the league’s roller-coaster of a journey by remembering some controversies that authorities must be looking to avoid this year.&nbsp;Here are 5 major controversies in the PSL:</p>
<h3>1. Spot-fixing scandal ‘17</h3>
<figure id="attachment_142340" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-142340" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-142340" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Khalid-Latif.jpg" alt="Khalid Latif" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-142340" class="wp-caption-text">Suspended Pakistani cricketer Khalid Latif (L) and his lawyer. (Photo by ARIF ALI/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Initially, fans had a lot to cheer about as PSL was coming to Pakistan but they were also subjected to some disappointment as PCB first suspended and then banned six cricketers <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/pakistani-opener-sharjeel-khan-seeks-justice-pm-shahid-khan-abbasi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sharjeel Khan</strong></a>, Khalid Latif, Nasir Jamshed, Mohammed Irfan, Shahzaib Hasan and Mohammed Nawaz. Following allegations of match-fixing during the opening match of PSL 2016 between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United in UAE.</p>
<p>The incident came under the public eye when Sharjeel, Latif and Irfan were questioned by the anti-corruption officials, and the then PSL chairman Najam Sethi claimed to have evidence of the link between bookie and players. Irfan and Jamshed were banned for one year. Sharjeel was found guilty of five counts of the charges and banned for five years. Latif also got the same punishment. Nawaz was suspended too, for two months, on May for not reporting suspect bookie approach.</p>
<h3>2. Final being held in Pakistan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_118166" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-118166" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-118166" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Peshawar-Zalmi-2.jpg" alt="Peshawar Zalmi" width="600" height="436" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-118166" class="wp-caption-text">Peshawar Zalmi. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>PCB chairman Najam Sethi was doing all he could to fulfil his promise of bringing cricket back to their homeland but it did not come without a series of problems. First, a terror attack on February 13 meant that staging the final in Lahore was a challenge in itself. Secondly, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bcci-threatens-break-away-icc-hosting-rights-taken-away/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ICC</strong></a> was not convinced. Sethi, however, made it happen. This year too, the controversy has a part two to it.</p>
<p>Tempted by the success of his move last year, Sethi took it upon himself to fulfil his promise of bringing cricket back to Karachi in 2018. Recently, security experts Reg Dickason and Richard Dennis witnessed a full dress rehearsal for the final in Karachi. Their final report will decide the course of their approach. However, as seen during World XI as well as Sri Lanka’s tours of Pakistan, unprecedented security arrangements were made- with 20,000 military and police officials guarding the visiting players and the stadium.</p>
<p>In all probability, the report is expected to be positive. Earlier, Sethi and Co. had to seek permission from states Punjab and Sindh and make sure they had their support and co-operation.</p>
<h3>3. Players not wanting to play in Lahore</h3>
<figure id="attachment_113150" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-113150" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-113150" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kevin-Pietersen-1.jpg" alt="Kevin Pietersen" width="600" height="391" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-113150" class="wp-caption-text">Kevin Pietersen. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The final of the PSL last year was played in Lahore. Though some foreign players made the trip, but many stayed away because of concerns about security. Many agreed initially but pulled out later because of a terror attack in the country just days before their trip. High profile players like <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kevin-pietersen-unsure-of-traveling-to-pakistan-for-psl-playoffs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kevin Pietersen</strong></a>, Tymal Mills, and Luke Wright took to Twitter to talk about their withdrawal from the final and while a lot of people from Pakistan agreed with and supported the decision on social media, they were majorly flooded with unsavoury replies.</p>
<p>All those who did not agree to play were called cowards, unprofessional and disloyal. Wright pointed out, they all have families and will not want to take a chance. In fact, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, who were in the bus that was shot at in 2009, had already refused to play in Lahore even if their teams reached the final. Former Pakistan cricketer <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/imran-khans-former-wife-flees-pakistan-reportedly-due-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Imran Khan</strong></a> also criticized the decision to have the final in Lahore, saying “What message of peace will we send out in such conditions?”</p>
<h3>4. Legendary players uninvited for opening ceremony</h3>
<figure id="attachment_136869" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-136869" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-136869" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Younis-Khan.jpg" alt="Younis Khan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-136869" class="wp-caption-text">Pakistan’s Younis Khan. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>There were controversies on political as well as personal basis after the opening ceremony. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sarfraz-ahmed-needs-to-perform-individually-younis-khan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Younis Khan</strong></a> was not seen in the ceremony. On being asked, PCB stated that the invitation was sent to his home in Mardan. This gave a negative impression from PCB for and Khan lashed out saying, ”I was not invited for the ceremony. They ignored my accomplishments for Pakistan and my achievements in T20 cricket. But in a way it is good because they have sent me a clear message that where I stand as far as the PSL is concerned and if I will be a part of it or not. It doesn’t matter to me at this stage of my career but it is disappointing not being invited for the PSL launch after having served Pakistan cricket for so long.”</p>
<p>Moreover, legend players who have served <strong>Pakistan cricket</strong> for decades like Imran Khan, Wasim Bari, Javed Miandad, Sarfraz Nawaz were also not invited to the ceremony. Even former heads of the board, based in Lahore, including Ijaz Butt, Khalid Mehmood, Tauqir Zia and Zaka Ashraf were all conspicuous by their absence from the PSL opening ceremony.</p>
<h3>5. Wahab Riaz vs Ahmed Shehzad</h3>
<figure id="attachment_54722" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-54722" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-54722" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Wahab-Riaz-Ahmed-Shehzad.jpg" alt="Wahab and Shehzad" width="640" height="337" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-54722" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators in 2016 grabbed the headlines for all the wrong reasons. An ugly mid-pitch clash between Wahab Riaz and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ahmed-shehzad-vows-to-come-back-stronger-after-loss-in-the-one-day-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ahmed Shehzad</strong></a> too place. Both these high-profile players were fined portions of their match fees. The ugly incident took place during Gladiators’ innings after Riaz dismissed Shehzad. The batsman hit Wahab Riaz for a six over mid-wicket off the first ball of the fifth over. He then knocked over Shehzad’s stumps off the very next ball.</p>
<p>He let out a huge scream and looked the batsman in the eye. Shehzad replied by pointing his bat towards the bowler and with a few words. The players then came together, and it looked as if Riaz then gave the harder push. Teammates gathered around to diffuse the situation. Shahid Afridi was seen calming down Riaz, while Shehzad’s batting partner stepped in to stop him from reacting to Riaz’s shove.</p>
<h3>Watch the video here:</h3>
<p class="video-wrap"><amp-youtube data-videoid="ejfb6JGQWpg" layout="responsive" height="281" width="500" data-param-feature="oembed"></amp-youtube></p>

<p>Since its inception, 3 years ago, the <strong>Pakistan Super League (PSL)</strong> has grown leaps and bounds. It is safe to say that the success of the league added to Pakistan’s cause of reviving International cricket in their country. The smooth execution of the final in Lahore last year gave a glimpse of the possibility that cricket could be played without any untoward incidents.</p>
<p>However, even though the league boasts of great individual success, it has been plagued by controversies like all other T20 leagues. In fact, controversies in Pakistan cricket, in particular, are inevitable. While fans and cricket lovers across the globe gear up and await the return of cricket in <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/karachi-kings-captain-imad-wasim-hopeful-to-take-his-team-to-the-final-of-psl-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karachi</a></strong>, let’s reflect on the league’s roller-coaster of a journey by remembering some controversies that authorities must be looking to avoid this year. Here are 5 major controversies in the PSL:</p>
<h3>1. Spot-fixing scandal ‘17</h3>
<figure id="attachment_142340" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-142340" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-142340" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Khalid-Latif.jpg" alt="Khalid Latif" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-142340" class="wp-caption-text">Suspended Pakistani cricketer Khalid Latif (L) and his lawyer. (Photo by ARIF ALI/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Initially, fans had a lot to cheer about as PSL was coming to Pakistan but they were also subjected to some disappointment as PCB first suspended and then banned six cricketers <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/pakistani-opener-sharjeel-khan-seeks-justice-pm-shahid-khan-abbasi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sharjeel Khan</strong></a>, Khalid Latif, Nasir Jamshed, Mohammed Irfan, Shahzaib Hasan and Mohammed Nawaz. Following allegations of match-fixing during the opening match of PSL 2016 between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United in UAE.</p>
<p>The incident came under the public eye when Sharjeel, Latif and Irfan were questioned by the anti-corruption officials, and the then PSL chairman Najam Sethi claimed to have evidence of the link between bookie and players. Irfan and Jamshed were banned for one year. Sharjeel was found guilty of five counts of the charges and banned for five years. Latif also got the same punishment. Nawaz was suspended too, for two months, on May for not reporting suspect bookie approach.</p>
<h3>2. Final being held in Pakistan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_118166" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-118166" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-118166" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Peshawar-Zalmi-2.jpg" alt="Peshawar Zalmi" width="600" height="436" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-118166" class="wp-caption-text">Peshawar Zalmi. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>PCB chairman Najam Sethi was doing all he could to fulfil his promise of bringing cricket back to their homeland but it did not come without a series of problems. First, a terror attack on February 13 meant that staging the final in Lahore was a challenge in itself. Secondly, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bcci-threatens-break-away-icc-hosting-rights-taken-away/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ICC</strong></a> was not convinced. Sethi, however, made it happen. This year too, the controversy has a part two to it.</p>
<p>Tempted by the success of his move last year, Sethi took it upon himself to fulfil his promise of bringing cricket back to Karachi in 2018. Recently, security experts Reg Dickason and Richard Dennis witnessed a full dress rehearsal for the final in Karachi. Their final report will decide the course of their approach. However, as seen during World XI as well as Sri Lanka’s tours of Pakistan, unprecedented security arrangements were made- with 20,000 military and police officials guarding the visiting players and the stadium.</p>
<p>In all probability, the report is expected to be positive. Earlier, Sethi and Co. had to seek permission from states Punjab and Sindh and make sure they had their support and co-operation.</p>
<h3>3. Players not wanting to play in Lahore</h3>
<figure id="attachment_113150" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-113150" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-113150" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kevin-Pietersen-1.jpg" alt="Kevin Pietersen" width="600" height="391" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-113150" class="wp-caption-text">Kevin Pietersen. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The final of the PSL last year was played in Lahore. Though some foreign players made the trip, but many stayed away because of concerns about security. Many agreed initially but pulled out later because of a terror attack in the country just days before their trip. High profile players like <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kevin-pietersen-unsure-of-traveling-to-pakistan-for-psl-playoffs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kevin Pietersen</strong></a>, Tymal Mills, and Luke Wright took to Twitter to talk about their withdrawal from the final and while a lot of people from Pakistan agreed with and supported the decision on social media, they were majorly flooded with unsavoury replies.</p>
<p>All those who did not agree to play were called cowards, unprofessional and disloyal. Wright pointed out, they all have families and will not want to take a chance. In fact, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, who were in the bus that was shot at in 2009, had already refused to play in Lahore even if their teams reached the final. Former Pakistan cricketer <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/imran-khans-former-wife-flees-pakistan-reportedly-due-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Imran Khan</strong></a> also criticized the decision to have the final in Lahore, saying “What message of peace will we send out in such conditions?”</p>
<h3>4. Legendary players uninvited for opening ceremony</h3>
<figure id="attachment_136869" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-136869" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-136869" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Younis-Khan.jpg" alt="Younis Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-136869" class="wp-caption-text">Pakistan&#8217;s Younis Khan. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>There were controversies on political as well as personal basis after the opening ceremony. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sarfraz-ahmed-needs-to-perform-individually-younis-khan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Younis Khan</strong></a> was not seen in the ceremony. On being asked, PCB stated that the invitation was sent to his home in Mardan. This gave a negative impression from PCB for and Khan lashed out saying, ”I was not invited for the ceremony. They ignored my accomplishments for Pakistan and my achievements in T20 cricket. But in a way it is good because they have sent me a clear message that where I stand as far as the PSL is concerned and if I will be a part of it or not. It doesn&#8217;t matter to me at this stage of my career but it is disappointing not being invited for the PSL launch after having served Pakistan cricket for so long.”</p>
<p>Moreover, legend players who have served <strong>Pakistan cricket</strong> for decades like Imran Khan, Wasim Bari, Javed Miandad, Sarfraz Nawaz were also not invited to the ceremony. Even former heads of the board, based in Lahore, including Ijaz Butt, Khalid Mehmood, Tauqir Zia and Zaka Ashraf were all conspicuous by their absence from the PSL opening ceremony.</p>
<h3>5. Wahab Riaz vs Ahmed Shehzad</h3>
<figure id="attachment_54722" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-54722" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-54722" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Wahab-Riaz-Ahmed-Shehzad.jpg" alt="Wahab and Shehzad" width="640" height="337" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-54722" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators in 2016 grabbed the headlines for all the wrong reasons. An ugly mid-pitch clash between Wahab Riaz and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ahmed-shehzad-vows-to-come-back-stronger-after-loss-in-the-one-day-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ahmed Shehzad</strong></a> too place. Both these high-profile players were fined portions of their match fees. The ugly incident took place during Gladiators’ innings after Riaz dismissed Shehzad. The batsman hit Wahab Riaz for a six over mid-wicket off the first ball of the fifth over. He then knocked over Shehzad’s stumps off the very next ball.</p>
<p>He let out a huge scream and looked the batsman in the eye. Shehzad replied by pointing his bat towards the bowler and with a few words. The players then came together, and it looked as if Riaz then gave the harder push. Teammates gathered around to diffuse the situation. Shahid Afridi was seen calming down Riaz, while Shehzad’s batting partner stepped in to stop him from reacting to Riaz’s shove.</p>
<h3>Watch the video here:</h3>
<p class="video-wrap"><iframe loading="lazy" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ejfb6JGQWpg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>

Even though the league boasts of great individual success, it has been plagued by controversies like all other T20 leagues.

5 Major controversies in the PSL

Since its inception, 3 years ago, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has grown leaps and bounds. It is safe to say that the success of the league added to