Just four days before the start of the 2026 season of the Pakistan Super League, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the initial matches of the competition will take place behind closed doors until the ongoing war in West Asia comes to a halt.
Furthermore, the number of venues has been reduced from six to two – matches will only take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and the National Stadium in Karachi. Games were originally scheduled to take place in Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Faisalabad as well.
The decision was announced by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi during a press briefing at the Gaddafi Stadium on March 22. In his statement, the chairman said the decision was taken after a meeting was held with all shareholders involved with the tournament, including PSL franchise owners, along with consultations with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
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“The Prime Minister has requested restricted movement because of the fuel crisis, so we have decided that the PSL would continue as per the original schedule, but without crowds. The opening ceremony has been cancelled too,” the chairman said, adding that fans who had already bought tickets will receive refunds and franchise owners will be compensated for the loss of revenue.
The chairman also said that legal action would be taken against players who have opted out of their PSL contracts, due to potential opportunities that have opened up owing to injuries to a number of players in the IPL.
The first match of the PSL will take place on March 26 between Lahore Qalandars and the Hyderabad Kingsmen at the Gaddafi stadium.
With inputs from AFP and PTI“
Published on Mar 22, 2026
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