The Pakistan Super League (PSL) will take place behind closed doors this season due to the ongoing Middle East conflict and the resulting national fuel shortage.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday that all matches will be played only in Lahore and Karachi, while the opening ceremony scheduled for March 26 has been cancelled.
Naqvi explained that the government requested citizens to restrict movements to conserve fuel. Schools closed, work-from-home measures increased, and Eid holidays were extended. He said the PCB could not justify hosting crowds of 30,000 daily while the nation faced restrictions.
The chairman apologised to fans, especially in Peshawar, which was set to host its first-ever PSL fixture on March 28. He promised compensation to franchises for lost gate revenue. Naqvi added that fans might return later if the regional crisis eases, but the decision depends on developments in the Iran-US-Israel conflict that triggered the global oil shortage.
Police and security agencies advised the PCB to continue the tournament under strict conditions. Naqvi emphasised that the PSL will follow its original schedule but without spectators until the situation improves.
