PSL 2026 to be played behind closed doors amid West Asia tensions, only 'these' venues to host

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has suffered a major setback ahead of its new season as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to go ahead without spectators due to the ongoing tensions in West Asia involving Iran, USA and Israel.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the development on Sunday, saying the decision was taken in line with government guidelines and the overall situation in the region. While the league will continue as scheduled, fans will not be allowed inside the stadiums during the initial phase.

PSL to go ahead but without crowds

Speaking at a press conference, Naqvi made it clear that the league remains on track despite the circumstances.

“The PSL is an international brand and our pride. So, the league will be held on schedule from March 26 but no spectators will be allowed,” he said.

Naqvi explained that the call was made after detailed discussions with security agencies and keeping public safety in mind.

“Looking at all of this and after discussions with our security agencies, we decided that the PSL would continue as per the original schedule. But we can't ask people to restrict their movements and then have 30,000 people in stadiums every day,” he said.

“We decided that as long as this crisis is ongoing, we will not have crowds at matches. This was a difficult decision, but it needed to be made. The opening ceremony will also be cancelled.”

As part of these measures, the PCB has also scrapped the grand opening ceremony for this season.

Venues reduced and financial impact

In another big change, the tournament will now be played only in Karachi and Lahore, instead of the previously planned multiple venues including Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Multan.

Naqvi added that the board will try to compensate franchises for the loss of gate revenue, with payments expected to be made based on estimated earnings from ticket sales.

At the same time, he dismissed concerns around player safety and confirmed that overseas players have already started arriving in Pakistan.

The PCB chief also revealed that the board’s legal department will pursue cases involving players who withdrew from PSL contracts to join the IPL.

PSL 2026 schedule and format

Despite the changes, the PSL 2026 season will begin on March 26 as planned, with Lahore Qalandars set to face Hyderabad Kingsmen in the opening match. The final is scheduled to be played on May 3 in Lahore.

A total of eight teams will take part in this edition of the T20 league, though the reduced venues and absence of crowds make it a challenging start for the tournament this year.

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