Mohsin Naqvi defends PSL shake-up: matches behind closed doors, two- city plan amid national crisis

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced a series of major changes to the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL), confirming that the tournament will go ahead as scheduled from March 26 but under strict limitations due to the ongoing national and global crisis.

Speaking after consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and security agencies, Naqvi emphasized that the PSL remains Pakistan’s “international brand” and must continue to protect the country’s credibility on the global stage.

However, in a significant move, the PCB has decided that all matches will be played without spectators. The decision comes in line with government directives urging citizens to limit movement amid fuel shortages and broader uncertainty.

Naqvi acknowledged the contradiction of hosting large gatherings while the public is being advised to stay home, stating that allowing crowds of 25,000–30,000 people in stadiums would undermine national efforts to control the situation. “This was a difficult decision, but a necessary one,” he said.

In another cost-cutting measure, the PCB has cancelled the opening ceremony, opting instead to begin the tournament directly with matches. The move reflects a broader attempt to balance financial responsibility during a time when the government is already bearing heavy economic pressure, including fuel subsidies.

The absence of crowds is expected to significantly impact franchises, many of whom rely heavily on gate revenue. Addressing these concerns, Naqvi assured that the PCB will cover the financial shortfall to minimize losses for franchise owners. “Where we can take the load, we will,” he stated.

The PCB has also reduced the number of host cities to just two—Lahore and Karachi, abandoning earlier plans to stage matches in cities like Faisalabad, Peshawar, and Multan. Naqvi issued a heartfelt apology to fans in Peshawar, acknowledging unfulfilled promises but assuring that the city will be prioritized in future editions.

The decision to limit venues, he explained, is aimed at reducing logistical movement and conserving resources during the crisis. “If there are no fans, there is no justification for extensive travel across multiple cities,” he added.

Ticket holders have been promised full refunds within 72 hours, as the PCB moves quickly to address fan concerns. Naqvi also expressed regret over the inconvenience caused, noting that a significant number of tickets had already been sold in recent days.

Despite the scaled-back arrangements, the PCB remains hopeful that the situation will improve soon, allowing fans to return to stadiums. Until then, Naqvi urged supporters to continue backing their teams from home.

“May this crisis end soon,” he concluded, “and may we once again see full stadiums across Pakistan.”