PSL 2026 to be played behind closed doors, in only two venues

Already reeling from a spate of player pullouts and travel advisories issued by several countries, the Pakistan Super League 2026 is set to be staged under significant constraints.

The tournament will now be restricted to Lahore and Karachi, with matches to be played behind closed doors, as organisers scale back plans in response to the ongoing West Asia conflict. The originally envisioned six-city schedule has been shelved, and the usual fanfare around the opening ceremony has also been scrapped, as PSL 2026 is instead set to begin on March 26 in a subdued environment.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said consultations regarding the Pakistan Super League had been ongoing for several days, including discussions with the Prime Minister and relevant security institutions, following which it was decided that the tournament would begin on March 26.

He added that matches would initially be held without crowds and would continue behind closed doors for as long as the current global situation persists.

Naqvi further said that the opening ceremony had been cancelled and that the league would begin directly with matches, with a revised schedule to be announced soon.

More to follow...