PSL 2025: KFC, Pepsi sponsorships spark boycott calls amid Israel-Palestine conflict

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is gearing up for its tenth edition, promising a “bigger and better” tournament than ever. However, the excitement has been dampened by calls for a boycott due to the league’s choice of sponsors, particularly KFC and Pepsi.

Social media users have pointed out that many Muslim countries have boycotted these brands due to their alleged connections to Israel amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in devastating humanitarian crises, with over 50,000 Palestinians killed and tens of thousands injured.

This has led to widespread outrage and boycott campaigns against Western brands perceived to be supporting Israel. The BDS Movement, a global Palestinian-led campaign, has been spearheading these efforts, advocating for nonviolent pressure on Israel to respect Palestinian rights.

In light of this, PSL’s decision to partner with KFC and Pepsi has sparked controversy. KFC, an American fast-food chain, was roped in as the official snack partner in February 2024, despite public sentiment against the brand due to its perceived stance on the Israel- Palestine conflict. Pepsi, a carbonated soft drink brand, is also an official partner of the PSL and sponsors the Karachi Kings team.

Netizens have taken to social media to express their disappointment, urging people to boycott the league until these sponsorships are removed.

Some have argued that the focus should be on supporting Palestine, saying, “In Palestine, our brothers are dying, and we are busy celebrating PSL.”

Others have requested that fans not only post about boycotting but also take action, refusing to watch matches until the sponsorships are ended.