PCB chairman praises law enforcement agencies for facilitating the smooth conduct of PSL 11.
KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday that he will once again approach Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the possibility of allowing spectators at the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.
Speaking to the media in Karachi, Naqvi said, “I will speak again to the prime minister about the crowd,” adding that the PCB would continue its efforts to bring fans back into the stadiums during the tournament.
However, the PCB chairman emphasized that the decision must be viewed in light of the ongoing global crisis linked to tensions in the Middle East.
His remarks came days after the PCB announced that PSL matches would be played behind closed doors as part of government-led austerity measures amid the regional situation. At that time, Naqvi also confirmed that the tournament would be restricted to two venues, Karachi and Lahore, in an effort to minimize public movement.
The move was taken in line with broader government savings and austerity policies aimed at managing the ongoing energy and fuel challenges triggered by the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Later, several franchise owners urged authorities to restore crowd attendance, arguing that fans are central to the league’s atmosphere and identity. They appealed to the prime minister and provincial chief ministers to allow spectators back into stadiums for the current edition.
Meanwhile, the PCB chief praised law enforcement agencies for ensuring the smooth and secure conduct of the PSL despite the challenging circumstances.
Although he expressed his intention to work toward bringing fans back, Naqvi made it clear that there would be no changes to the existing match schedule.
He also stated that franchises would receive gate revenue, with the PCB covering associated costs.
Additionally, Naqvi said that proposals were under review to renovate or potentially rebuild the National Bank Cricket Arena to upgrade its facilities.
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