The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to proceed as planned starting from March 26, albeit without spectators and limited to two venues. This decision comes amidst the ongoing Gulf crisis which has prompted the country to implement fuel-saving measures due to its reliance on oil and gas imports from the region.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, disclosed that the adjustments to the PSL schedule were made in consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Naqvi emphasized that the league will maintain its original timeline but will be conducted without live audiences. To prevent unnecessary travel, the tournament, which initially included six venues, will now only take place in Lahore and Karachi.
“We are hopeful that the league can eventually welcome crowds, contingent on the resolution of the crisis in Iran,” stated Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister. The PSL, which debuted in 2016 in the UAE for security reasons, has taken this strategic approach to prioritize safety and resource management.
Expressing empathy for disappointed fans, particularly those in Peshawar, Naqvi assured that the PCB would compensate franchise owners for the revenue loss resulting from the absence of spectators. The league is scheduled to conclude on May 3, marking its 11th edition.
