The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to proceed as planned starting from March 26, but with significant adjustments due to the ongoing Gulf crisis, as disclosed by the head of the country’s cricket board on Sunday.
Given Pakistan’s reliance on oil and gas supplies from the Gulf region, recent concerns over potential shortages have prompted the government to implement fuel-saving measures. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, revealed that the decision to proceed with the PSL without spectators and at only two venues was made in consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
During a press briefing in Lahore, Naqvi explained, “The prime minister’s call for restricted public movement in light of the fuel crisis led us to the conclusion that the PSL matches will go ahead as scheduled, albeit without any audience presence.”
In a bid to minimize fan travel, the eight-team league will now be consolidated to just two venues, with Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Peshawar being excluded from hosting matches.
Naqvi expressed hope that the league could eventually welcome spectators but emphasized that this would depend on the resolution of the crisis in Iran. He added, “All PSL fixtures will be centralized in Lahore and Karachi for now.”
Originally launched in 2016 on neutral grounds in the UAE due to security concerns, the PSL has gradually transitioned back to Pakistan. Naqvi acknowledged the disappointment of Peshawar fans who were anticipating a local match attendance.
Moreover, Naqvi assured that the PCB would compensate franchise owners for the revenue loss due to the absence of crowds, as a significant portion of gate receipts typically goes to the teams.
The 11th season of the PSL is scheduled to conclude on May 3.