PSL will be held from March 26, but no spectators allowed: PCB chairman Naqvi

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 will kick off as scheduled on March 26 , but cricket fans will have to follow the action from their screens, as the PCB has announced that matches will be held without spectators .

The decision comes amid rising tensions in the region due to the ongoing Iran-USA-Israel conflict , prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take precautionary measures. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that this edition of the PSL will be limited to two venues, Karachi and Lahore .

“The PSL is an international brand and our pride. We will hold the league on schedule, but no spectators will be allowed,” Naqvi said at a media briefing, adding that the move is driven by government-imposed austerity measures rather than security concerns. PSL CEO Salman Naseer stood alongside him, reaffirming that overseas players would start arriving in Pakistan from tonight.

As part of the austerity measures, the PCB has cancelled the grand opening ceremony , a staple of previous PSL editions. To support the franchises, the board plans to compensate them with estimated gate revenue for matches originally scheduled in Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Multan .

Addressing player participation issues, Naqvi noted that the PCB’s legal department will pursue cases against cricketers who withdrew from their PSL contracts to join the Indian Premier League (IPL) . Yet, he highlighted the league’s growing appeal, pointing out that top List A players are signing up for the PSL , reflecting its rising stature.

While fans may miss the stadium atmosphere, the PCB’s measures aim to ensure the tournament proceeds safely, maintaining the integrity and excitement of Pakistan’s premier cricket league amid a challenging regional backdrop.