LAHORE: Owners across the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have appealed to Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif to allow spectators to return to the stadiums for the 11th edition of the tournament, which is currently being held behind closed doors.
The appeal follows a recent announcement by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who confirmed the significant backlog of the event.
In a press conference with PSL chief executive Salman Naseer, Naqvi said that matches would be restricted to only two venues, Karachi and Lahore, with no spectators allowed.
He explained that the revised arrangements were made following joint meetings and consultations with the franchise owners with the Prime Minister serving as the host-in-chief of the tournament.
The decision led to the scrapping of initial plans to host the Games in six cities, including Multan, Peshawar, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi, and to consolidate the opening ceremony and competitions.
“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.”
Postponing was not a viable option, he added: “If we postpone the PSL, there will be no window to hold it later. We have prepared a new schedule that minimizes team movements.”
The tournament started as scheduled on March 26.
The opening matches were defending champions Lahore Qalandars against Hyderabad Kingsmen, followed by Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators, both played in empty stadiums. The PCB has confirmed that fans who bought tickets will be refunded.
However, the lack of attendance sparked an emotional response from team owners, who took to social media platform X to demand the Prime Minister’s intervention.
Salman Iqbal, owner of Karachi Kings, expressed his dismay: “Being a company owner since day one of PSL, it pains me to see empty stadiums. I request Hon’ble Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow fans back into the stadiums.
Peshawar Zalmi’s Javed Afridi echoed the sentiment, stressing the league’s national importance: “The PSL is an inseparable part of the lives of millions of Pakistanis and a powerful source of unity for the entire nation. The passion, colors and presence of our fans is the true soul of this league. By allowing fans back into the stadiums, this national celebration can continue to unite us not only in spirit but also in the stands.”
Atif Rana of Lahore Qalandars added: “PSL has grown to be a celebration of cricket, driven by its people. But without the fans, it is incomplete. The fans are the true spirit of the Pakistan Super League. We respectfully request the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Maryam Nawaz to allow the supporters back into the stadiums.”
Ahsan Tahir of Rawalpindis emphasized the communal bond between the sport and its supporters: “There is no cricket without fans! I humbly request Hon’ble Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif to consider allowing fans back into the stadiums. People, it thrives on their energy.”
Islamabad United’s Ali Naqvi concluded: “The energy of its fans in the stadium has always been the heartbeat of the PSL. The PSL is incomplete without its fans in the stadium. We humbly request the honorable Prime Minister to allow the fans back into the stadiums. Let the true spirit of PSL return.”
Adding to the calls, Hyderabad Kingsmen’s owner Fawad Sarwar shared his feelings following his team’s opening match.
“We really missed the energy of the crowd in our first PSL game. Although the teams bring the heat, it’s the fans in the stands who bring passion and heart to PSL. Proud to finally be the owner of a team representing Hyderabad and Sindh, I humbly request Hon’ble Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif to allow them back into the stadium. Our fans, have been waiting for this for a long time,” the franchise posted.
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