The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday (22nd March) announced that the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be restricted to only two cities, Karachi and Lahore, amid security concerns arising from the ongoing war in the Middle Eastern region.
The tournament, slated to commence on March 26, 2026, was originally planned to be held across six cities: Multan, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. No spectators will be allowed in the stadiums.
Addressing a press conference, PCB Chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi apologised to Pakistani cricket fans. He said that the decision to restrict the movement of players has been taken in consultation with the the frachise owners, and Pakistani Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, who is a patron of the PCB.
“Consultations regarding the PSL had been ongoing for several days. We don't know how long the current situation will persist, but hosting the PSL is essential. It is an international brand, and foreign players are involved. Everyone is eager for the PSL to go ahead,” Naqvi said during the press conference. He said postponing the tournament was also not feasible, as there is no window available later to hold the tournament. Notably, even the opening ceremony of the tournament has been cancelled.
“If we had postponed the PSL, there would be no window later to hold it. We have prepared a new schedule that minimises team movements,” Naqvi said, adding that the people who have booked the tickets will be refunded the money.
“Fans will be able to receive refunds for tickets, and we apologise to them for the inconvenience. Full-time PCB staff will not be able to attend the PSL, but part-time staff will be able to work with the teams,” Naqvi added.
Pakistan has also been facing heightened military tensions on its border with Afghanistan for the past several days.