The buzz around Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 has been dampened by growing calls for a boycott due to its sponsorship ties with KFC and Pepsi.
Concerns have been raised on social media, where users are criticizing these brands over their alleged links to Israel amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many Muslim-majority countries have already initiated boycotts against KFC and Pepsi over their perceived support for Israel.
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The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, resulting in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths and thousands of injuries. This has intensified global outrage and fueled boycott movements targeting Western companies believed to support Israel. The BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) Movement has been leading such campaigns globally.
In this context, PSL’s partnerships with KFC and Pepsi have triggered backlash. KFC, named the official snack partner in February 2024, and Pepsi, a long-time league partner and Karachi Kings sponsor, are both under fire.
Social media users are now urging a boycott of PSL until these partnerships end. Many argue that celebrating cricket while Palestinians suffer sends the wrong message, and some fans are calling for viewers to stop watching PSL matches unless the league drops the controversial sponsors.
