PSL 2026 to be played behind closed doors amid fuel crisis; Lahore and Karachi to host all games

[RidiculousMan]

HBL PSL 11 to Proceed Under Revised Operational Plan in Support of National Austerity Measures.

In consultation with the Government of Pakistan, and in line with the officially announced national austerity and resource conservation measures, the HBL Pakistan Super League has introduced a revised operational plan for the 2026 edition of the tournament.

As part of this nationally aligned approach, and to support efficient use of energy and public resources in light of the prevailing regional geopolitical situation, the number of host venues for HBL PSL 11 has been streamlined from six to two. All matches will now be staged in Lahore and Karachi, with an updated match schedule to be issued separately.

Additionally, under the revised government SOPs, matches will initially be held without spectators. This operational adjustment has been made purely in support of the broader national conservation effort and to ensure that the tournament is conducted in the most efficient and responsible manner.

With the tournament temporarily shifting to a watch-from-home model, HBL PSL will introduce enhanced broadcast and production features aimed at delivering an even stronger viewing experience for fans across Pakistan and around the world. The League remains confident that the passion of its audience, combined with innovation in coverage, will make this edition one of the most widely watched in its history.

By consolidating operations in two major centers, HBL PSL is reducing the wider logistical footprint associated with a multi-city tournament, including transport, venue operations, and utility demands, while ensuring continuity of Pakistan’s premier cricket event.

Commenting on the revised arrangements, CEO HBL PSL Salman Naseer said:-

“The HBL PSL is one of Pakistan’s premier sporting properties, and at a time when the nation is observing austerity and conservation measures, it is important for us to reflect that same spirit of responsibility. These are operational adjustments made in support of a national effort, while keeping the tournament fully on track. Pakistan remains fully capable of hosting top-tier cricket, and HBL PSL 11 will continue to showcase the professionalism, resilience, and passion that define this league and its fans. We are committed to delivering a successful tournament and an exceptional broadcast experience for millions watching from home. The momentum built over recent months has been incredibly strong, and we will persevere as we always do. Such is the resilience and passion for cricket in this nation.”

A comprehensive ticket refund policy for fans who had already purchased tickets will be announced shortly. The strong early response from supporters, with more than 100,000 tickets sold in the first 48 hours, reflects the tremendous enthusiasm surrounding HBL PSL 11.

HBL PSL remains committed to delivering high-quality cricket while aligning with national priorities. The League will move forward with the same unity, discipline, and excellence that have made it a defining symbol of Pakistan’s sporting strength.

 

[hamzie]

why cant there be crowds in those 2 stadiums? they dont want people driving to the stadium? not like anyone goes to see the karachi games anyway

 

[Rana]

So there is a genuine threat by TTP terrorists?

 

[RidiculousMan]

So there is a genuine threat by TTP terrorists?

 

[RidiculousMan]

why cant there be crowds in those 2 stadiums? they dont want people driving to the stadium? not like anyone goes to see the karachi games anyway

My hunch is security threats.

 

[Rana]

Pointless PSL

Feel so sorry for the sponsors/investors

This is just not working for them at all

 

[Falconslions]

New owners must be regretting. This is a big loss.

 

[SherWaqar]

What’s the point of conducting it all then?

 

[Deewana Mastana]

How long before the PSL is called off completely

 

[Kianig89]

Very sad , speechless !

 

[Katwalindian]

why cant there be crowds in those 2 stadiums? they dont want people driving to the stadium? not like anyone goes to see the karachi games anyway

It's not like people is gonna sit at home regardless plus fuel is from their own pockets....its not like fuel is provided by league...... I think security threats is reason

 

[Katwalindian]

How long before the PSL is called off completely

I dont think now with closed doors

 

[PakFan2010]

Good decision.

It would have been unfair for schools to close, but cricket stadiums open.

Ticket receipts are small anyway, broadcasting revenue is more important.

 

[Rajdeep]

Fuel crisis has nothing to do with playing behind closed doors. This has to be some sort of security intel.

 

[Katwalindian]

Fuel crisis has nothing to do with playing behind closed doors. This has to be some sort of security intel.

It's just a excuse

 

[RyanRyan10]

Fuel crisis has nothing to do with playing behind closed doors. This has to be some sort of security intel.

Yes. The interior minister must have told the PCB Chairman about it.

 

[Devadwal]

why cant there be crowds in those 2 stadiums? they dont want people driving to the stadium? not like anyone goes to see the karachi games anyway

Fuel to bahana hai security main problem hai. . players are hesitate to Play in Pakistan so they reduced to PSL in two ground only and that too without crowds

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

P se Pencil.. hopefully PSL is cancelled.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Yes. The interior minister must have told the PCB Chairman about it.

Naqvi calling naqvi

 

[chakdeindian]

" Closed doors" mean are they going to play cricket inside the dressing rooms of these stadium?

 

[Deewana Mastana]

The Pak-Afg war and the oil crisis are the reasons

 

[Devadwal]

Fuel crisis has nothing to do with playing behind closed doors. This has to be some sort of security intel.

Boss, they could have held the PSL in Lahore and Faisalabad. Travel by road would have been possible. Fuel wasted traveling between Karachi and Lahore would have been saved. All matches could have been played during the day. Fuel used in light towers for night matches would also have been saved..

 

[RyanRyan10]

P se Pencil.. hopefully PSL is cancelled.

no

I am eagerly waiting for return of Azam Khan

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Sensible move given wars with Taliban and recently BJP. Both groups have attacked innocent cricketers in the past.

 

[Devadwal]

Sensible move given wars with Taliban and recently BJP. Both groups have attacked innocent cricketers in the past.

Enjoying the meltdown.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Enjoying the meltdown.

There is no meltdown from me. There is wars on two borders. I think PSL should be postponed.

 

[Devadwal]

There is no meltdown from me. There is wars on two borders. I think PSL should be postponed.

You bring BJP ( India ) just because you're deeply hurting. .. war is on Afghanistan and Iran border, nothing to do with india.

 

[Hawkeye]

A Govinda, Rahul and Rajdeep sitting in Hindustan think it’s because of security reasons.

Obviously nothing to do with the major ongoing war which has led to school closures, global fuel emergency, fuel prices doubled, most flights through which foreign players were gonna come cancelled and obviously players not willing to come close to Iran.

But nah, these Rahuls and Govindas know better.

 

[Devadwal]

If they had not put PSL behind closed doors, not many overseas player would have turned up ( already Many playes pullout or have chosen IPL over PSL . . Security risk is way too high with Pak-Afghan tensions.

Plus Shia clerics can go full monty against Pak government too with Asim Munir clearly supporting USA and Israel against Iran

A Govinda, Rahul and Rajdeep sitting in Hindustan think it’s because of security reasons.

Obviously nothing to do with the major ongoing war which has led to school closures, global fuel emergency, fuel prices doubled, most flights through which foreign players were gonna come cancelled and obviously players not willing to come close to Iran.

But nah, these Rahuls and Govindas know better.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Bit like COVID times.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Might as well cancel it. No point. Will be like watching a Grade II cricket tournament

 

[TeymurBlake]

Might as well cancel postpone the tournament.

After the recent debacle of the T20WC from the national side, it would be best to delay.

But the PCB does what the PCB does. If there is money to be made, well they won’t a chance go begging.

 

[Katwalindian]

Might as well cancel it. No point. Will be like watching a Grade II cricket tournament

Faysal bank t20 of past had more hype than PSL.........

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

A Govinda, Rahul and Rajdeep sitting in Hindustan think it’s because of security reasons.

Obviously nothing to do with the major ongoing war which has led to school closures, global fuel emergency, fuel prices doubled, most flights through which foreign players were gonna come cancelled and obviously players not willing to come close to Iran.

But nah, these Rahuls and Govindas know better.

A Khan from the progeny of Lal Kishan 120 years back sitting in Pakistan crying everyday. This is chickens coming home to roost. Pakistan is not a safe country

 

[Bhaijaan]

A wise decision taken to conserve national resources and expenditure.

One of the reasons why I have some respect still left for the current regime. They have broken this nation but they care about our economy.

 

[U$ofA]

Big blow for the league as a whole. On all sides.

There will be total lack of atmosphere for the games. Sponsors for sure will take a hit. Overall revenues will take a hit. Also, $$ spent it getting stadiums ready is money down the drain.

The two new franchies will be hit harder than others.

Probably one positive could be higher tv and streaming ratings.

 

[Asif321]

Just postpone it. What’s the fun watching with empty stands . Bakwass. Pakistan always has these security issues. Just when you thought Peshawar will get a game and this happens

 

[shah9425]

Should cancel it

What's the point of holding league in two venues

We are back in COVID times

 

[Aami]

no

I am eagerly waiting for return of Azam Khan

Now thats a talent wasted because he couldnt let go 2 parathas, achaar and lassi for brekky.

 

[Devadwal]

Big blow for the league as a whole. On all sides.

There will be total lack of atmosphere for the games. Sponsors for sure will take a hit. Overall revenues will take a hit. Also, $$ spent it getting stadiums ready is money down the drain.

The two new franchies will be hit harder than others.

Probably one positive could be higher tv and streaming ratings.

They expanded the league at the worst possible time... now the new franchise owners are regretting their decision to buy the team.

 

[Ball Blazer]

 

[Bhaijaan]

A Govinda, Rahul and Rajdeep sitting in Hindustan think it’s because of security reasons.

Obviously nothing to do with the major ongoing war which has led to school closures, global fuel emergency, fuel prices doubled, most flights through which foreign players were gonna come cancelled and obviously players not willing to come close to Iran.

But nah, these Rahuls and Govindas know better.

Clearly a sabotage mission. It’s time we activate our proxies in Endia. They know why to do now.

 

[Hawkeye]

Clearly a sabotage mission. It’s time we activate our proxies in Endia. They know why to do now.

@Bhaijaan I always enjoy your posts but this new role of acting as a Pakistani is not amusing and funny at all.. Please go back to the old bhaijaan.. even the sanghi sanatan was quite good.

 

[sweep_shot]

I think better to cancel it for this year.

 

[Hawkeye]

It is funny how this thread is flooded with Indians and their super confident stances.

Love how obsessed they are with Pakistan cricket.

 

[Bhaijaan]

It is funny how this thread is flooded with Indians and their super confident stances.

Love how obsessed they are with Pakistan cricket.

They have nothing better to do because their life sucks bro.

 

[Katwalindian]

Will they play without floodlights also? If fuel is problem then they should also play without floodlights....... its just excuse....people are moving freely...its not like if they are not going to stadium they gonna sit at home.......

 

[charlie007]

@Bhaijaan I always enjoy your posts but this new role of acting as a Pakistani is not amusing and funny at all.. Please go back to the old bhaijaan.. even the sanghi sanatan was quite good.

Don’t take it seriously, he’s just trolling and he doesn’t discriminate on nationalities when he’s trolling . Enjoy the show!

 

[Varun]

These Indians flood everywhere. Complete pests.

They try the same on Bangladeshi platforms too but we are not as nice as you Pakistanis. We abuse them and ban them. LOL.

Yeah even the forum banned itself. A round of applause to you lot who are not made for sport.

 

[Savak]

Is this fuel, energy crisis, inflation, difficulty for foreign players in finding flights only exclusive to Pakistan?

How come none of these things have impacted India or the IPL? They will be holding their tournament full fledged with crowds permitted on a home and away basis for two months. How come the Iran-USA-Israel conflict has impacted Pakistan more than India?

 

[sweep_shot]

Is this fuel, energy crisis, inflation, difficulty for foreign players in finding flights only exclusive to Pakistan?

How come none of these things have impacted India or the IPL? They will be holding their tournament full fledged with crowds permitted on a home and away basis for two months. How come the Iran-USA-Israel conflict has impacted Pakistan more than India?

Maybe India are facing problems too but they are hiding it.

India lie a lot. India also seem to lie about their GDP, for example.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Is this fuel, energy crisis, inflation, difficulty for foreign players in finding flights only exclusive to Pakistan?

How come none of these things have impacted India or the IPL? They will be holding their tournament full fledged with crowds permitted on a home and away basis for two months. How come the Iran-USA-Israel conflict has impacted Pakistan more than India?

We already have a thread in time pass section to discuss this.

 

[U$ofA]

Is this fuel, energy crisis, inflation, difficulty for foreign players in finding flights only exclusive to Pakistan?

How come none of these things have impacted India or the IPL? They will be holding their tournament full fledged with crowds permitted on a home and away basis for two months. How come the Iran-USA-Israel conflict has impacted Pakistan more than India?

The Aus. players will be flying through Singapore/Hong Kong. So that is not impacted.

The Eng, SA and NZ players in SA are the ones that will be impacted. But I am sure their franchises have made arrangements. Likely flying them private jet.

Also, given that IPL camps started begining of this month, a lot of overseas players are already with their franchises and training.

I am sure the IPL season will be full on. Have not read anything about tonning/scaling down.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

They should do what WWE done during covid with fans watching virtually.

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

Only PCB and Pakistan government have all the facts, so it could be a smart decision.

That said, at this rate Cricinfo commentary:

“Mohsin Naqvi Right Arm Fast medium, Larkana Sindh, unleashes a vicious bouncer that is gracefully hooked by Mohsin Naqvi, star batter, Adelaide Australia, and it just goes past the outstretched hand of an incredible diving leap by Mohsin Naqvi, Colombo, Sri Lanka for a MAXIMUM, while multiple Mohsin Naqvis, nationalities unknown, are dancing in the audience as Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan, collects the grand trophy. In the end Mohsin Naqvi, sorry cricket, is the winner.”

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The Pakistani government lying to their people is nothing new. It is only useful idiots who believe anything that comes out of their mouths. Bomb a rehab center and then say it was a terrorist camp. I'm sure there are people who will buy this lame austerity excuse too. Postponing the tournament or even cancelling it would have been better, because this will only be a loss-making venture. The owners who are spending all this money, including pricey franchise fees deserve better, and most importantly, the fans deserve better.

 

[charlie007]

Only PCB and Pakistan government have all the facts, so it could be a smart decision.

That said, at this rate Cricinfo commentary:

“Mohsin Naqvi Right Arm Fast medium, Larkana Sindh, unleashes a vicious bouncer that is gracefully hooked by Mohsin Naqvi, star batter, Adelaide Australia, and it just goes past the outstretched hand of an incredible diving leap by Mohsin Naqvi, Colombo, Sri Lanka for a MAXIMUM, while multiple Mohsin Naqvis, nationalities unknown, are dancing in the audience as Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan, collects the grand trophy. In the end Mohsin Naqvi, sorry cricket, is the winner.”

But wait, Mohsin Naqvi has run away with the trophy that Mohsin Naqvi was to receive from Mohsin Naqvi.

 

[charlie007]

The Pakistani government lying to their people is nothing new. It is only useful idiots who believe anything that comes out of their mouths. Bomb a rehab center and then say it was a terrorist camp. I'm sure there are people who will buy this lame austerity excuse too. Postponing the tournament or even cancelling it would have been better, because this will only be a loss-making venture. The owners who are spending all this money, including pricey franchise fees deserve better, and most importantly, the fans deserve better.

The closed doors matches is indeed sad. The whole premise behind the PSL was supposed to be a spectacular Pakistani tournament that the awaam could enjoy. By taking that away, you’re saying it’s for the money and not the awaam. And it definitely is not fair for the franchises either, especially the newer ones that paid a premium to buy teams. I agree, postponing the PSL would have been a better decision.

 

[Savak]

Why not host the PSL in a foreign country where this will not be an issue?

The PCB wants to take the PSL global and enhance fan engagement, connectivity with overseas Pakistanis. Why not consider experimenting by holding one psl season in Canada/USA? I am pretty sure you will get good expatriate crowds for these games

 

[charlie007]

Why not host the PSL in a foreign country where this will not be an issue?

The PCB wants to take the PSL global and enhance fan engagement, connectivity with overseas Pakistanis. Why not consider experimenting by holding one psl season in Canada/USA? I am pretty sure you will get good expatriate crowds for these games

Too expensive to begin with, the timings will not suit, and there is not enough local interest - matches will be played in empty stadiums.

 

[U$ofA]

Why not host the PSL in a foreign country where this will not be an issue?

The PCB wants to take the PSL global and enhance fan engagement, connectivity with overseas Pakistanis. Why not consider experimenting by holding one psl season in Canada/USA? I am pretty sure you will get good expatriate crowds for these games

I would say that the PSL has to be played in Pak. That is the optimum scenario. What can be tinkered with is when it is played.

Playing in the IPL window has its pros and cons. The people running it have made the call. So has to be given a few seasons to see if it's the right call. It can always be moved if things don't workout.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The closed doors matches is indeed sad. The whole premise behind the PSL was supposed to be a spectacular Pakistani tournament that the awaam could enjoy. By taking that away, you’re saying it’s for the money and not the awaam. And it definitely is not fair for the franchises either, especially the newer ones that paid a premium to buy teams. I agree, postponing the PSL would have been a better decision.

Exactly that's the whole point of the PSL, even beyond unearthing talent and making money. Plus, I don't think anyone wants to be reminded of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was one of the worst periods in recent history for most people around the world.

 

[Savak]

Too expensive to begin with, the timings will not suit, and there is not enough local interest - matches will be played in empty stadiums.

India held the 2009 IPL in South Africa. That IPL season was certainly not a failure.

 

[charlie007]

India held the 2009 IPL in South Africa. That IPL season was certainly not a failure.

I was talking about USA/Canada like you suggested, not South Africa.
Also, there’s a huge difference between IPL and PSL, as well as overseas following of IPL and PSL by their respective supporters. The IPL will remain successful anywhere it’s played (except USA/Canada) but not PSL.
In the end, you want the Pakistani awaam to watch the PSL, the broadcasters to make ad money, the franchises to get a bit of their investment back, and PCB to earn money - none of that can or will happen if the PSL is organized in North America or South Africa. Just stating facts.

 

[Savak]

I was talking about USA/Canada like you suggested, not South Africa.
Also, there’s a huge difference between IPL and PSL, as well as overseas following of IPL and PSL by their respective supporters. The IPL will remain successful anywhere it’s played (except USA/Canada) but not PSL.
In the end, you want the Pakistani awaam to watch the PSL, the broadcasters to make ad money, the franchises to get a bit of their investment back, and PCB to earn money - none of that can or will happen if the PSL is organized in North America or South Africa. Just stating facts.

The Pakistani awaam will watch the PSL wherever it is played. The next goal for the PCB is to tap into the expatriate Pakistanis, expatriate sponsors, businesses and try to build some sort of a non Pakistani fan base, following for the league if the goal is to take the PSL global

 

[charlie007]

The Pakistani awaam will watch the PSL wherever it is played. The next goal for the PCB is to tap into the expatriate Pakistanis, expatriate sponsors, businesses and try to build some sort of a non Pakistani fan base, following for the league if the goal is to take the PSL global

Do you think Pakistani expatriates will go watch PSL games on work days or Pakistanis living in Pakistan will forego their daily work wages to watch PSL matches? Be practical.

 

[Savak]

Do you think Pakistani expatriates will go watch PSL games on work days or Pakistanis living in Pakistan will forego their daily work wages to watch PSL matches? Be practical.

You do make very good points.

I think maybe the PCB can consider debate a strategy of having more exhibition psl games in these countries as a trial. Maybe going forward they can experiment with having 90% of the PSL in Pakistan and then playing the playoffs, final in places like Canada, USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa etc. This idea has been floated in psl meetings as part of efforts to make the PSL more global

 

[Pakpak]

The Pakistani government lying to their people is nothing new. It is only useful idiots who believe anything that comes out of their mouths. Bomb a rehab center and then say it was a terrorist camp. I'm sure there are people who will buy this lame austerity excuse too. Postponing the tournament or even cancelling it would have been better, because this will only be a loss-making venture. The owners who are spending all this money, including pricey franchise fees deserve better, and most importantly, the fans deserve better.

Spot on man.

Joke board. Joke and pathetic league. AFCON is more organised than this shower. They are simply worried after killing so many people in the recent 'strikes'.

 

[Human786]

After that situation with AFG , I am surprsied it is still on tbh .

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Didn't know that Baartman and Spencer Johnson had already pulled out of the PSL too.

One of the teams should try and get Ben Sears as one of the overseas if they're willing to come.

 

[shariqnoor]

I think there's a credible security threat which has forced this decision. Austerity is the last thing you can expect a Pakistani govt to focus on.

 

[Bhaijaan]

If there is a security threat, than the public needs to be told about it.

This concern the lives of pakistanis.

Its sad that the owners of the website allow indians to post here who enjoy terrorism in pakistan

Don’t act childish. They can’t share full details for obvious reasons. This is about our national security; not someone’s timepass.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Peshawar Zalmi Stands With Fans and the Pakistan Cricket Board as the Pakistan Super League Season 11 Begins Behind Closed Doors.*

Following the latest announcement regarding the Pakistan Super League, matches will be held in Lahore and Karachi behind closed doors due to the current situation.

Cricket, PSL and Pakistan always come first. Peshawar Zalmi stands firmly with the Pakistan Cricket Board and fully supports this decision, taken in the best interest of the country and the game.

This season was meant to mark a historic moment, as for the first time in PSL history, a match was planned in Peshawar. We understand the emotions of our fans in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, across Pakistan, and around the world who were eagerly waiting for this milestone. We know this moment feels heavy, and we truly share your disappointment.

To our fans everywhere, your unwavering support remains the heartbeat of Peshawar Zalmi. While we will deeply miss your presence in the stadiums, wherever you are, your support stands with us, driving the Yellow Storm forward. You are the backbone of this team, and your energy drives us in every moment on the field.

This is only a pause, not the end of the story. The day Peshawar hosts PSL will come, and it will be bigger, louder, and more special than ever before.

We will see you soon in the stands.

PSL is ours. Pakistan is ours. And we will rise together.

 

[Hikaru]

The environment isn't suited to hold the tournament. Just cancel it altogether.

 

[nish_mate]

Just like every Mohsin and Ramiz know better sitting in Pakistan what's happening in India no??

A Govinda, Rahul and Rajdeep sitting in Hindustan think it’s because of security reasons.

Obviously nothing to do with the major ongoing war which has led to school closures, global fuel emergency, fuel prices doubled, most flights through which foreign players were gonna come cancelled and obviously players not willing to come close to Iran.

But nah, these Rahuls and Govindas know better.

 

[Rajdeep]

Is this fuel, energy crisis, inflation, difficulty for foreign players in finding flights only exclusive to Pakistan?

How come none of these things have impacted India or the IPL? They will be holding their tournament full fledged with crowds permitted on a home and away basis for two months. How come the Iran-USA-Israel conflict has impacted Pakistan more than India?

This has nothing to do with fuel and energy crisis. How does playing behind closed door help?

Pakistan clearly is under security threat due to its war with Afghanistan. So I think foreign players have told PCB they will not send their players unless these games happen in fewer venues, less travel and behind closed door. Bangladeshi posters, who are acting tough here, their own board said they will ask their govt before sending its players for PSL. Remember, Pakistan was pulling out from WT20 for them...ROFL.

India also has safety issues but widely managable. Also, no player or board will stop sending its players to India due to its credibility and the IPL money. Heck, England team visited and played in Mumbai just a month after 26/11. So world looks at India and Pakistan and its respective ability to handle security situation very differently.

 

[IAJ]

Now they can’t even move it to UAE. As I said many times har jaggah yeh zaleel hou rahay hain apnay kartooton ki wajah say. Just cancel it so the foreigners don’t need to be uncomfortable. No need to take any risk.

 

[Suleiman]

One final, and the most important nudge now to move the PSL window to October-November. Even if they have to resort to UAE, weather is better there at that time.

 

[Human786]

Now they can’t even move it to UAE. As I said many times har jaggah yeh zaleel hou rahay hain apnay kartooton ki wajah say. Just cancel it so the foreigners don’t need to be uncomfortable. No need to take any risk.

Would be very shocking if they come .

 

[cricketjoshila]

You bring BJP ( India ) just because you're deeply hurting. .. war is on Afghanistan and Iran border, nothing to do with india.

He cries and blames india rss bjp hindutva for everything, he wasn’t like this, this is recent