Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday, said that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in the coming weeks will be played behind closed doors due to austerity measures adopted by the government over the ongoing regional situation.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said the tournament will only be held in two venues, Karachi and Lahore, adding that the move is to curtail the movement of the public and ensure smoother management during this period.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced some major changes in this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL), such as cancellation of the opening ceremony.
The move is part of a broader cost-cutting strategy under the government austerity policies.
Under the revised plan, all the PSL matches would now be played only at Lahore and Karachi.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi apologized to fans in Faisalabad and Peshawar for withdrawing their hosting rights, acknowledging the disappointment, but stressing that they had no choice but to take the decision because of logistical and security reasons.
Naqvi said in-depth discussions had been held over days with the government including the Prime Minister and security agencies.
He said that the final decision was taken in consideration of national priorities and the government policy on savings, with the authorities being involved at different stages in the process.
To deal with financial issues the PCB will be paying franchises for losses in gate revenues and ticket holders will be fully refunded.
Reassuring the public, Naqvi emphasised that there were no issues of security.
PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer confirmed that franchises were consulted about the changes before they were finally decided.
Despite the restrictions, Naqvi said he was confident the league would set high viewership records as it gains international appeal.
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