LAHORE: Pakistan Super League will commence on March 26 but will be held without spectators due to the prevailing security situation, Mohsin Naqvi announced on Sunday.Addressing a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman said the decision was taken after detailed consultations with the government and security agencies.Naqvi stated that due to uncertainty in the current regional situation, matches will not be held across multiple cities. Instead, the tournament will be limited to two venues — Karachi and Lahore. He added that more matches are expected to be scheduled in Peshawar in the next edition.The PCB chief also confirmed that the PSL opening ceremony has been cancelled, and fans will not be allowed inside stadiums until conditions improve. However, he assured that spectators may be permitted if the situation normalizes.
To address financial concerns, the PCB will compensate franchises for losses caused by the absence of crowds, while fans who have already purchased tickets will receive refunds.Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan remains safe, describing the situation as a regional matter. He further confirmed that international players are expected to arrive within the next couple of days.He also warned that strict action will be taken against players who terminated their PSL contracts to join other leagues, while noting that all franchises were taken into confidence regarding these decisions.The announcement comes amid rising economic pressure, including a recent increase in fuel prices linked to global supply disruptions caused by tensions in the Middle East.
