PSL to be played behind closed doors amid Middle East situation, Naqvi issues apology to fans

The Pakistan Super League will start on March 26 at two venues without spectators due to fuel restrictions linked to the Middle East situation. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi apologised to fans and assured compensation to franchises for revenue losses

New Delhi: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) will begin as scheduled on March 26, but only at two venues, with no spectators, to conserve resources such as petrol amid the Gulf war, Pakistan cricket chief Mohsin Naqvi announced on Sunday.

The decision followed an extensive meeting with the eight franchises and a consultation with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. “Pakistan Super League will start as per schedule on March 26 as we have to safeguard its credibility and there is no window to stage it later,” Naqvi said at a press conference in Lahore.

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A new PSL schedule will soon be announced, featuring only two venues, Lahore and Karachi. Peshawar, Multan, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad have been removed from the schedule to reduce fuel consumption and conserve resources, as fuel is now tightly regulated by the government.

“I apologise to the fans of Peshawar who were due to watch the PSL matches for the first time and hope they get more matches next time,” said Naqvi.

The high-profile opening ceremony has been cancelled to save more resources. Naqvi said that most international players are expected to arrive early on Monday to prepare for the matches.

Reports from Telecom Asia Sport had previously indicated that foreign players, particularly Australians, faced difficulties in passing through the Gulf region to reach Pakistan. However, Naqvi presented a different perspective.

Naqvi warned that he would pursue legal action against foreign players who either fail to show up or abandon their PSL contracts in favour of more lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) offers.

Blessing Muzarabani from Zimbabwe and Dasun Shanaka from Sri Lanka have both joined the IPL after signing with PSL teams.

Naqvi also announced that all franchises will receive financial compensation for the loss of gate money caused by the absence of crowds.