KARACHI: In the match between Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), tension erupted on the pitch as England’s Jason Roy and Pakistan’s Iftikhar Ahmed got into a heated argument.
The incident unfolded during the second innings when the Gladiators were chasing a daunting target of 186 runs with Roy at the crease. In the midst of Roy’s DRS appeal against David Willey, Ahmed initiated a verbal altercation and provoked Roy to confront him in the middle of the field, needing intervention from the Sultan players, including skipper Mohammad Rizwan.
During an interview with a local sports channel, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram expressed his dismay and emphasized Roy’s duty to respect Pakistan’s players and culture.
“Jason Roy must know he is in Pakistan. He must respect our players and our culture. Why was he angry when he got out? It was his own fault and his anger was unnecessary. He does it regularly,” he said.
Roy’s frustration peaked when he failed to take advantage of DRS in time, leading to his dismissal and a visible display of frustration as he threw his bat and helmet to the ground.
His exit proved crucial as Sultans used the momentum to secure an impressive 79-run victory in the final group match of PSL 2024.
Don’t forget that PSL 9 playoff schedule has also been confirmed. Sultans will now face Peshawar Zalmi in Qualifier 1 on March 14, while Gladiators will face Islamabad United in Eliminator on March 15.
Sultans and Zalmi have two chances to qualify for the PSL 9 Finals after finishing in the top two spots in the points table as the loser of Qualifier 1 will face the winner of the Eliminator on March 16.
