LAHORE, April 8: Although the current Test series has provided some outstanding performances and produced results in both the Tests, one important ingredient missing has been the lack of interest of the spectators.

Both the Multan and Lahore Tests could not attract even modest crowds though the Indians are playing in Pakistan after a lapse of 14 years. Empty stands gave impression that all is not well with five-day cricket. At both centres not more than a couple of thousand spectators turned up each day and almost half of them were free-loaders and law enforcement personnel.

Reasons for the lack of interest said to be unimaginative itinerary especially the decision of playing the one-dayers first, chaos in sales of tickets, bowing to the dictates of BCCI and the abject failure of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to market the series despite having the services of a highly-paid 'honorary' consultant.

It appears that the PCB's top hierarchy is only interested in pleasing overseas guests and their friends at the expense of our own cricket crazy fans. Reports of ticket sales for the decisive third and final Test are also not very encouraging.

The time has come for the PCB to take remedial measures to attract crowds particularly in Tests devising marketing strategy offering incentives for the spectators like the ones in Australia, South Africa, India and even West Indies.