PCB to compensate franchises for financial losses caused by the absence of crowds, says Mohsin Naqvi
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi speaking to the media at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAHORE:
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) will commence on March 26 but will be held without spectators due to the ongoing security situation, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Sunday.
Addressing a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi said the decision was taken after days of consultations, including with the government and security agencies. “All matters regarding the PSL have been discussed in coordination with the government,” he said.
He noted uncertainty surrounding the current situation, adding that it was not clear how long the crisis would continue. “When the crowd will not be allowed in stadiums, there is no need to take matches to multiple cities,” he said.
Under the revised plan, the tournament will be staged in only two cities — Karachi and Lahore. Naqvi added that more matches would be scheduled in Peshawar in the next edition.
The PCB chief also confirmed that the PSL opening ceremony has been cancelled, while spectators will not be permitted in stadiums until conditions improve.
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He said the board would compensate franchises for financial losses caused by the absence of crowds. “The PCB will cover the losses incurred by franchises due to no spectators,” he stated.
Fans who have already purchased tickets will be issued refunds, he added.
The minister said that if conditions return to normal, spectators will be allowed to enter stadiums.
Two weeks ago, the government sharply increased diesel and petrol prices by Rs55 per litre or 20% — due to the ongoing US-Israel and Iran war, which has disrupted supply chains and pushed crude oil prices to their two-year high.
Both federal and provincial governments have since introduced a range of austerity steps, including an additional weekly holiday, cutting free petrol allocations for ministers, limiting protocol vehicles, and proposing subsidised fuel for students.
“We do not have a security issue; these are regional matters. Pakistan is safe,” said Naqvi. International players will start arriving within a day or two, said Mohsin Naqvi. “We have a large pool of players available.”
PCB’s part-time employees can work with other franchises, said Mohsin Naqvi.
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“All franchises are very pro-Pakistan and were taken into confidence on all decisions,” said Mohsin Naqvi. The PCB chief said that if the PSL had been suspended this time, there would have been no time available for the rest of the year.
“Regarding what Gary Kirsten said, I would ask those who were with him to respond to it,” said Naqvi.
The PCB chairman also announced that action will be taken against players who terminated their PSL contracts and signed with another league.