×
PSL 2026: Initial matches to be held behind closed doors, venues reduced from six to two

PSL 2026: Initial matches to be held behind closed doors, venues reduced from six to two

Sports news , , , , , , , ,

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.

ALSO READ: IPL 2026 build-up far from ideal for franchises as injuries, absences pile up

“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

Source link
#PSL #Initial #matches #held #closed #doors #venues #reduced

Tag

Related Posts

Deadspin | Signed to start, Cardinals RB Tyler Allgeier embracing Love despite demotion Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier (22) runs with the ball during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 28, 2026. Tyler Allgeier left Atlanta for a chance to start, leaving behind a timeshare with Falcons All-Pro Bijan Robinson for a vacant No. 1 spot on the Arizona Cardinals’ running back depth chart. But as Allgeier knows from experience, depth charts are temporary. The Cardinals invested the No. 3 pick in Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, a bit of a recurring theme in Allgeier’s pro career since rushing for 1,035 yards as a rookie in 2022. Atlanta drafted Robinson with the No. 8 pick in the following draft. A year later, the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract worth million per season in free agency, and weeks later drafted Michael Penix Jr. to play the same position. Same stuff, different year? Allgeier is trying to keep it all in perspective. “We’re just building that relationship and we’re pretty close right now,” Allgeier said of Love, whose rookie four-year, million contract represents a record-setting deal for running backs. “There’s no point in being a jerk about it. That’s not going to get you anywhere in life, in this business, in this sport.” Allgeier understands the investment in Love is an outward indication of how the Cardinals will view the split of work at the position. Veteran James Conner is also in the mix, but returning from a season-ending ankle injury. He said first-year coach Mike LaFleur is helping making the transition easier by leading with transparency and constant communication in the RB room. “I knew what I was getting into, and we’re here now deep into camp,” Allgeier said. “We’re splitting (reps) and it is great competition right now.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Signed #start #Cardinals #Tyler #Allgeier #embracing #Love #demotionCardinals running back Tyler Allgeier (22) runs with the ball during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 28, 2026.

Tyler Allgeier left Atlanta for a chance to start, leaving behind a timeshare with Falcons All-Pro Bijan Robinson for a vacant No. 1 spot on the Arizona Cardinals’ running back depth chart.

But as Allgeier knows from experience, depth charts are temporary.

The Cardinals invested the No. 3 pick in Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, a bit of a recurring theme in Allgeier’s pro career since rushing for 1,035 yards as a rookie in 2022.

Atlanta drafted Robinson with the No. 8 pick in the following draft.

A year later, the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract worth $40 million per season in free agency, and weeks later drafted Michael Penix Jr. to play the same position.


Same stuff, different year? Allgeier is trying to keep it all in perspective.

“We’re just building that relationship and we’re pretty close right now,” Allgeier said of Love, whose rookie four-year, $53 million contract represents a record-setting deal for running backs. “There’s no point in being a jerk about it. That’s not going to get you anywhere in life, in this business, in this sport.”

Allgeier understands the investment in Love is an outward indication of how the Cardinals will view the split of work at the position. Veteran James Conner is also in the mix, but returning from a season-ending ankle injury.

He said first-year coach Mike LaFleur is helping making the transition easier by leading with transparency and constant communication in the RB room.

“I knew what I was getting into, and we’re here now deep into camp,” Allgeier said. “We’re splitting (reps) and it is great competition right now.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Signed #start #Cardinals #Tyler #Allgeier #embracing #Love #demotion">Deadspin | Signed to start, Cardinals RB Tyler Allgeier embracing Love despite demotion Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier (22) runs with the ball during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 28, 2026. Tyler Allgeier left Atlanta for a chance to start, leaving behind a timeshare with Falcons All-Pro Bijan Robinson for a vacant No. 1 spot on the Arizona Cardinals’ running back depth chart. But as Allgeier knows from experience, depth charts are temporary. The Cardinals invested the No. 3 pick in Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, a bit of a recurring theme in Allgeier’s pro career since rushing for 1,035 yards as a rookie in 2022. Atlanta drafted Robinson with the No. 8 pick in the following draft. A year later, the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract worth million per season in free agency, and weeks later drafted Michael Penix Jr. to play the same position. Same stuff, different year? Allgeier is trying to keep it all in perspective. “We’re just building that relationship and we’re pretty close right now,” Allgeier said of Love, whose rookie four-year, million contract represents a record-setting deal for running backs. “There’s no point in being a jerk about it. That’s not going to get you anywhere in life, in this business, in this sport.” Allgeier understands the investment in Love is an outward indication of how the Cardinals will view the split of work at the position. Veteran James Conner is also in the mix, but returning from a season-ending ankle injury. He said first-year coach Mike LaFleur is helping making the transition easier by leading with transparency and constant communication in the RB room. “I knew what I was getting into, and we’re here now deep into camp,” Allgeier said. “We’re splitting (reps) and it is great competition right now.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Signed #start #Cardinals #Tyler #Allgeier #embracing #Love #demotion

The Toronto Tempo have traded the rights to Maria Kliundikova and a 2028 second-round pick to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for forward Aneesah Morrow, bolstering their frontcourt just a few days before the midseason trade deadline.

Morrow has averaged 11.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while shooting 42.1% from the field and 28.4% from three. She has recorded 9 double-doubles, tied for the 8th-most in the league. She is fresh off back-to-back 21-point performances against the Washington Mystics and Toronto Tempo.

Tempo general manager Monica Wright Rogers praised the trade in the official press release.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Aneesah to our organization,” said Rogers. “She’s a relentless competitor who impacts the game in so many ways, particularly with her ability to rebound at a high level. We believe she’s one of the emerging frontcourt talents in this league, and we’re excited to see her play in a Tempo uniform.”

Morrow was drafted 7th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and quickly established herself as one of the league’s top rebounders. In an official press release, Connecticut Sun President Jen Rizzotti thanked Morrow for her time in Connecticut.

“We are incredibly grateful for the time Aneesah spent with the Connecticut Sun and for the professionalism, commitment, and buy-in she showed from the moment we drafted her,” she said. “She embraced our vision, was a tremendous ambassador for our franchise both on and off the court, and built meaningful relationships with our fans, her teammates, and staff. We wish Aneesah nothing but continued success in the next chapter of her career.”

Maria Kliundikova, meanwhile, was drafted 11th overall in 2018, and last played in the WNBA last season, suiting up for the Minnesota Lynx and averaging 4.4 points and 3 rebounds in 11 minutes per game.

What Aneesah Morrow brings to the Toronto Tempo

The move is a big-time win for the Tempo, who are 10-18 and have struggled with frontcourt availability. Isabella Harrison has appeared in just 16 games, and Nyara Sabally in 19. Right away, Morrow brings young blood — she’s just 23 years old — to the WNBA’s expansion franchise.

Morrow has been pretty durable; she appeared in 41 games in her rookie season, and in 20 (of 29 games) so far this season in Connecticut.

Morrow will also provide a boost on the glass; as it currently stands, the Tempo average 31.1 rebounds per game, the third-fewest in the league. She averaged 13.8 rebounds per 36 minutes, the second-most in the league, trailing only Atlanta Dream forward Madina Okot. And, in her rookie season, she led the league in defensive rebounding rate last year (31.9%).

So, she’ll immediately impact one of the Tempo’s biggest weaknesses.

#WNBA #midseason #trade #big #win #Toronto #Tempo">First WNBA midseason trade is a big win for Toronto Tempo The Toronto Tempo have traded the rights to Maria Kliundikova and a 2028 second-round pick to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for forward Aneesah Morrow, bolstering their frontcourt just a few days before the midseason trade deadline.Morrow has averaged 11.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while shooting 42.1% from the field and 28.4% from three. She has recorded 9 double-doubles, tied for the 8th-most in the league. She is fresh off back-to-back 21-point performances against the Washington Mystics and Toronto Tempo.Tempo general manager Monica Wright Rogers praised the trade in the official press release.“We’re thrilled to welcome Aneesah to our organization,” said Rogers. “She’s a relentless competitor who impacts the game in so many ways, particularly with her ability to rebound at a high level. We believe she’s one of the emerging frontcourt talents in this league, and we’re excited to see her play in a Tempo uniform.”Morrow was drafted 7th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and quickly established herself as one of the league’s top rebounders. In an official press release, Connecticut Sun President Jen Rizzotti thanked Morrow for her time in Connecticut.“We are incredibly grateful for the time Aneesah spent with the Connecticut Sun and for the professionalism, commitment, and buy-in she showed from the moment we drafted her,” she said. “She embraced our vision, was a tremendous ambassador for our franchise both on and off the court, and built meaningful relationships with our fans, her teammates, and staff. We wish Aneesah nothing but continued success in the next chapter of her career.”Maria Kliundikova, meanwhile, was drafted 11th overall in 2018, and last played in the WNBA last season, suiting up for the Minnesota Lynx and averaging 4.4 points and 3 rebounds in 11 minutes per game.What Aneesah Morrow brings to the Toronto Tempo The move is a big-time win for the Tempo, who are 10-18 and have struggled with frontcourt availability. Isabella Harrison has appeared in just 16 games, and Nyara Sabally in 19. Right away, Morrow brings young blood — she’s just 23 years old — to the WNBA’s expansion franchise.Morrow has been pretty durable; she appeared in 41 games in her rookie season, and in 20 (of 29 games) so far this season in Connecticut.Morrow will also provide a boost on the glass; as it currently stands, the Tempo average 31.1 rebounds per game, the third-fewest in the league. She averaged 13.8 rebounds per 36 minutes, the second-most in the league, trailing only Atlanta Dream forward Madina Okot. And, in her rookie season, she led the league in defensive rebounding rate last year (31.9%).So, she’ll immediately impact one of the Tempo’s biggest weaknesses. #WNBA #midseason #trade #big #win #Toronto #Tempo

CWG 2026, Javelin Throw Final Live Updates: Neeraj Chopra pushed to second after Pathirage’s 89.75m throw in 2nd round Yash Vir Singh (India) — 78.36mBen East (England) — 80.38mCameron McEntyre (Australia) — 78.91mNeeraj Chopra (India) — 79.61mArshad Nadeem (Pakistan) — 78.63mChinecherem Nnamdi (Nigeria) — 75.27mAnderson Peters (Grenada) — 81.29mKeyshawn Strachan (The Bahamas) — 78.60mRohit Yadav (India) — 78.37mRumesh Pathirage (Sri Lanka) — 82.84mKeshorn Walcott (Trinidad and Tobago) — 78.26mDouw Smit (South Africa) — 80.64m #CWG #Javelin #Throw #Final #Live #Updates #Neeraj #Chopra #pushed #Pathirages #89.75m #throw #2nd

Post Comment