KARACHI (Kashmir English): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said he would consult with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow fans at the stadiums during Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) matches.
Talking to the media at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi on Monday, Naqvi said that he met with the representatives of the franchises.
When he was asked about the absence of the crowd in the event, he said, “I will speak again to the prime minister regarding the crowd,” adding that the PCB would make every effort to bring spectators back to the stadium.
However, the PCB chief stressed the need to consider the ongoing global crisis stemming from the Middle East conflict.
His comments came days after PCB announced that PSL matches would be held without spectators as part of the government’s austerity measures amid the ongoing regional crisis.
Matches without crowds
At the time, PCB Chairman Naqvi announced that the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) will be held in only two venues without spectators as part of the government’s austerity measures amid escalating regional crisis.
Addressing the press conference along with the PSL CEO, Salman Naseer, Naqvi said that the opening ceremony of the marquee event has also been canceled to further streamline operations, along with the rescheduling of the matches.
He said that the much-awaited PSL matches will be held at two venues, Karachi and Lahore, with initial matches behind closed doors, adding that the decision aims to reduce public movement.
Addressing the ticket refund issues, Naqvi added that fans who have already purchased the tickets will be able to receive refunds. “Fans will be able to receive refunds for tickets, and we apologise to them for the inconvenience.”
He also noted logistical changes for staff, adding that 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 said the decisions were made following a joint meeting with PSL franchise owners and discussions with the Prime Minister and PCB’s Patron-in-Chief, Shehbaz Sharif.
