PSL matches to go ahead without spectators under govt’s austerity drive: Naqvi

• No security threat, all institutions on high alert: Mohsin Naqvi.
• ‘Grand’ opening ceremony also cancelled, says PCB chairman.
• Adds matches to be played behind closed doors until tension eases.
  

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in a major announcement on Sunday, said that the much-awaited Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches will be held without spectators as part of the government’s austerity measures amid the ongoing regional crisis.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said the tournament will be limited to two venues, Karachi and Lahore. He added that the decision aims to reduce public movement. He said that the opening ceremony has also been cancelled, in a further move to streamline operations.

The PCB chairman said that the matches will be played behind closed doors until the regional tension persists.

The 11th edition of the tournament is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, with the defending champions Lahore Qalandars set to face Hyderabad Kingsmen in the opening match at Gaddafi Stadium.

The decision followed the government’s wide-ranging austerity and savings plans to deal with the prevailing global fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.

“We don’t know how long the current situation will persist, but hosting the PSL is essential. It is an international brand, and foreign players are involved. Everyone is eager for the PSL to go ahead.”

Naqvi said that the tournament will be limited to two venues, Karachi and Lahore, in order to minimise team travel.

Earlier, Multan, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore had been named as host cities for the tournament. 

The PCB chairman said that fans who have purchased tickets will be eligible for refunds, while offering an apology for the inconvenience.

“Fans will be able to receive refunds for tickets, and we apologise to them for the inconvenience,” Naqvi said.

Addressing security concerns, Naqvi said there is no security issue and that all relevant institutions are on high alert. He praised intelligence agencies, stating that potential threats were neutralised in advance.

“We are proud of our intelligence agencies for preventing incidents before they could occur,” he said, adding that actions were taken to ensure that planned disruptions did not materialise.