Our Web Desk
LAHORE: The initial matches of the Pakistan Super League will be played behind closed doors in Lahore and Karachi, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Sunday, citing a fuel shortage caused by conflict in the Middle East.
The franchise-based Twenty20 league, scheduled to begin on Thursday, has also cancelled its opening ceremony in Lahore and reduced the number of venues from six to two.
“Fans will be able to receive refunds for tickets and we apologise for the inconvenience… we pray that the situation in the region returns to normal soon,” Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, told a press conference.
The decision followed consultations with the league’s franchises, he added.
Naqvi said the move was in line with government efforts to curb fuel consumption, after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged citizens to restrict movement amid the crisis.
“We have closed schools, implemented work-from-home policies and extended the Eid holidays. We don’t know how long this situation will last,” he said.
“But we cannot ask people to limit their movement and then allow tens of thousands to gather in stadiums daily. As long as this crisis continues, matches will be held without crowds.”
The PCB will also streamline operations to minimise team travel between cities.
Despite the disruption, Naqvi said hosting the PSL remained essential due to its international commitments and the participation of foreign players.
“It is an international brand. If we had postponed it, there would be no window later to stage the tournament,” he said.
