"Miss the days when PSL names were standardised."
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is currently facing massive backlash after revealing the controversial names of its three newest teams.
Fans and cricket commentators are expressing deep shock regarding the rebranding of the franchise, Multan Sultans, and its relocation to Rawalpindi.
Walee Technologies acquired the former Multan Sultans team and decided to rename the squad as theRawalpindi Pindiz this season.
This surprising name change has sparked a wave of mockery across various social media platforms like X and Instagram.
The other new entries into the league are the Sialkot Stallionz and the strangely titled Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen.
Many netizens are currently debating which of these three titles is the most bizarre for a professional sports team.
The Pindiz moniker has been described by some critics as being far too unprofessional for cricket fans.
Social media users are struggling to understand how a prestigious league could approve such an unusual and casual name.
One frustrated supporter has even launched an online petition to demand a more appropriate identity for the Rawalpindi squad.
The organiser of the petition is hoping to gather at least one thousand signatures to force a rebranding effort.
“To make the owners change this name to a sensible name” is the primary objective of this public campaign.
Even former team owner Ali Tareen shared his thoughts on the matter after the news broke earlier this week.
He said: “Miss the days when PSL names were standardised: City + Name and no name ended in a Z. Good times.”
Tareen previously had a major disagreement with the league management, which eventually led to the sale of his franchise.
The relocation of the team from Multan to Rawalpindi was already a massive shift for the dedicated fan base.
Islamabad United mascot Sheru added to the humour by comparing the new name to the Urdu word for okra.
He jokingly wondered what other city teams might be called if this current naming trend continues in the future.
Some cricket lovers noted that the controversy is finally taking the heat off the consistently struggling Karachi Kings franchise.
The Karachi team currently ranks last in the league when considering total titles and successful runner-up positions achieved.
The inclusion of the city of Houston in the Hyderabad team name has also left many observers very confused.
Critics feel that combining a local Pakistani city with an American one creates a very disconnected and messy brand.
The Sialkot Stallionz name is receiving slightly less criticism, although some fans find it a bit dated and unoriginal.
As the countdown to the new season begins, many people are curious about how these teams will be marketed.
It remains to be seen if the backlash will force the PSL franchise owners to reconsider their branding before the tournament.
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