PSL Owners Urge PM Shehbaz to Allow Fans Back in Empty Stadiums

Franchise owners from across the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) have urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow spectators back into stadiums, as the ongoing 11th edition of the tournament continues behind closed doors.

The appeal comes after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that PSL 11 would be held without crowds and limited to just two venues, Karachi and Lahore.

The decision followed consultations with franchise owners and the Prime Minister, who serves as the league’s Patron-in-Chief.

As part of the revised plan, matches in cities like Multan, Peshawar, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi were scrapped, while the opening ceremony was also canceled. The tournament, however, began as scheduled on March 26, with early matches played in empty stadiums.

Naqvi explained that postponing the tournament was not a viable option due to scheduling constraints and the involvement of international players, adding that the new structure was designed to minimize team travel while ensuring the league goes ahead.

Despite these measures, franchise owners have voiced strong concerns over the absence of fans, emphasizing that crowd energy is central to the PSL experience. Salman Iqbal, owner of Karachi Kings, expressed disappointment over empty stands, stating that the league depends heavily on public participation and calling for fans to be allowed back.

Similarly, Javed Afridi of Peshawar Zalmi highlighted the league’s role in uniting the nation, stressing that the passion and presence of supporters are essential to its identity.

Atif Rana, representing Lahore Qalandars, echoed the sentiment, noting that PSL has evolved into a celebration driven by its fans, while Ahsan Tahir of Rawalpindiz emphasized that cricket cannot thrive without spectator support.

Ali Naqvi, owner of Islamabad United, described fans as the heartbeat of the league and urged authorities to restore the true spirit of PSL by reopening stadiums.

Adding to the calls, Fawad Sarwar of Hyderabad Kingsmen said the absence of crowd energy was deeply felt during his team’s opening match, urging the government to let stadiums come alive again with fan support.

While the PCB has confirmed that ticket holders will be refunded, franchise owners remain hopeful that authorities will reconsider the decision and allow spectators to return, restoring the atmosphere that has long defined the PSL.

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