PCB Restricts PSL 11 to Karachi and Lahore, Matches to Begin Without Crowds
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board has revised its plans for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League, deciding to stage the tournament at only two venues and without crowd attendance.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi shared the update during a press conference, explaining that the decision came after discussions with franchise owners and consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his role as Patron in Chief.
Earlier, six cities including Multan, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore were being considered as hosts. The board has now limited the event to Karachi and Lahore, with all matches set to be played at these two venues.
The opening ceremony has also been scrapped as part of the revised arrangements.
Naqvi stated that talks regarding the league had been ongoing for several days and emphasized the importance of going ahead with the tournament. He added that with international players involved, it was important to keep the league on track despite the uncertain situation.
He confirmed that the PSL will begin on March 26 as originally planned, adding that delaying it would have made it difficult to find a suitable window later. A new schedule has been prepared to reduce travel between venues.
In a decision that will disappoint fans, matches at the start of the tournament will take place without spectators. The PCB has assured ticket holders that refunds will be issued and apologised for the inconvenience.
Naqvi also mentioned that full time PCB employees will not be present during the matches, while part time staff will continue to assist the teams.
Scrapping the opening ceremony is also expected to help cut costs. Naqvi expressed hope that conditions in the region improve soon.
PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer also reiterated that all stakeholders are keen to see the tournament take place as planned.
As per the earlier schedule, each team was set to play 10 matches, with the top four progressing to the playoff stage, which includes Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and the final. The final is planned for May 3 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with May 4 kept as a backup day.
The tournament was to feature six double headers, three of them in Lahore.
Initially, Gaddafi Stadium was expected to host the most matches with 15, followed by Rawalpindi with 11. Faisalabad was scheduled for seven games, Karachi for six and Multan for four.
