International Media Coverage of the Pakistan Super League

in International Journal of Sport Communication

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David CassiloKennesaw State University

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Danielle Sarver CoombsKent State University

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsc.2020-0065
Keywords:
cricket; media framing; United Arab Emirates
First Published Online:
16 Dec 2020
In Print:
Volume 14: Issue 1
Page Range:
60–78
Restricted access

The Pakistan Super League launched in 2016 with massive enthusiasm in its “cricket-mad” nation. However, safety concerns stemming from a 2009 terrorist attack in Lahore, Pakistan, meant all matches were played in the United Arab Emirates until the tournament’s final game in 2017—the ultimate test in seeing if top-level cricket could return to Pakistan. In this study, the authors examine framing of the creation in 2013 and first 2 years of the Pakistan Super League from news sources in Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. This study offers an opportunity to understand how Middle Eastern sport and the sport’s connection to national identity are framed in the media across multiple countries during a pivotal time for cricket in Pakistan.

Cassilo is with the School of Communication & Media, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA. Coombs is with the School of Media and Journalism, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.

Cassilo (dcassilo@kennesaw.edu) is corresponding author.
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