The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League will proceed as scheduled but without spectators, with all matches now limited to Lahore and Karachi due to the government’s austerity measures.
Speaking at a press conference, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the decision was made after consultations with government authorities and security agencies. The tournament, set to begin on March 26, was originally planned across six cities but has now been scaled back to reduce travel and conserve resources.
Naqvi explained that allowing large crowds at stadiums would contradict ongoing efforts to limit public movement amid the fuel crisis. As a result, matches will be played behind closed doors until the situation improves. He acknowledged the move as difficult but necessary under the current circumstances.
The PCB has also cancelled the opening ceremony to cut costs and confirmed that financial losses faced by franchises due to the absence of gate revenue will be compensated. Fans who had already purchased tickets will receive refunds within 72 hours.
Apologising to supporters in cities like Peshawar, where matches were initially scheduled, Naqvi said the revised plan was unavoidable. He added that players are expected to start arriving within the next couple of days and emphasised that postponing the tournament was not an option due to a packed cricket calendar.
In a subsequent statement, the PCB said the revised arrangements were aligned with national efforts to conserve energy and resources in light of the prevailing regional situation. The board expressed confidence that strong broadcast coverage would ensure the tournament remains widely watched despite the absence of in-stadium audiences.
The government recently introduced strict austerity measures, including reduced fuel usage, remote work policies, and shorter work weeks, in response to a global fuel crisis linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also ruled out further fuel price increases while directing authorities to ensure relief reaches those most in need.