LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has significantly scaled back plans for the upcoming 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), announcing that matches will be played at two stadiums without spectators.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the revised arrangements during a media conference, saying the decisions were taken following a joint meeting with the PSL owner and consultation with host Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Initially, six cities were named as potential hosts: Multan, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore. However, the tournaments have now been consolidated, with all the matches to be held in Karachi and Lahore.
As part of further streamlining of operations, the opening ceremony has been cancelled.
“Consultations regarding PSL have been going on for several days,” explained Mr Naqvi. “We don’t know how long the current situation will last, but it is necessary to conduct the PSL. It is an international brand, and foreign players are involved. Everyone is keen to continue the PSL.”
Addressing concerns over the schedule, he confirmed that the matches will begin as scheduled on March 26. “If we postpone the PSL, there will be no window to hold it later. We have prepared a new schedule which will reduce the movements of the teams,” he said.
In a move that will disappoint cricket fans, the opening matches will be played behind closed doors, with no spectators allowed at either host stadium. The PCB has moved to make ticketing arrangements for the victims.
“Fans will be able to get refunds for their tickets and we apologize to them for the inconvenience,” Mr Naqvi said. He also mentioned logistical changes for staff, adding: “Full-time PCB staff will not be able to attend the PSL, but part-time staff will be able to work with the teams.”
The cancellation of the opening ceremony is expected to reduce the overall cost. “We pray that the situation in the region returns to normal soon,” Mr Naqvi concluded.
PSL CEO Salman Naseer echoed the chairman’s sentiments, reinforcing the collective will for the tournament to continue. “Everyone is eager for the PSL to take place,” he said.
According to the recently released schedule, each team will play a total of 10 matches, with the top four teams qualifying for the playoffs. The playoff stage consisted of Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and the final on May 3 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The PCB also designated May 4 as the reserve day for the final.
PSL 11 featured six double-headers, three of which were to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium.
First, among the six stadiums, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the highest number of matches (15), followed by Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium with 11 and Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium with seven.
The iconic National Bank Stadium in Karachi was to host six matches, while four matches were scheduled at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
A one-day match between home team Peshawar Zalmi and Bintis was scheduled to take place on March 28 at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar.