PSL to commence without fans’ presence

The Pakistan Super League 2026 season will begin on March 26 without spectators, following a decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board amid fuel shortages and regional tensions linked to the West Asia conflict.

Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that early matches will be played behind closed doors in Lahore and Karachi.

The tournament, scheduled to run until May 3, was originally set to take place across six venues. 

However, the revised plan limits matches to two cities, with fans expected to be absent for at least the first 10 to 15 days or until conditions improve.

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars open the season against Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium. 

Lahore’s squad includes Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, and Sikandar Raza, while Shaheen Afridi leads the side alongside Haris Rauf in the pace attack.

Hyderabad, captained by Marnus Labuschagne, features Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, and Kusal Perera, with Riley Meredith leading the bowling unit.

The updated schedule places the opening 14 matches in Lahore until April 6, before the competition moves to Karachi for the next phase. Double-headers are set for April 22, 23, 25, and 26 across both venues.

The playoffs will begin with Qualifier 1 in Karachi on April 28, followed by eliminators in Lahore. The final is scheduled to return to Gaddafi Stadium on May 3. No opening ceremony is planned, with organisers focusing on logistics.

Eight teams will compete in this season, including new sides such as Rawalpindi Pindiz and Sialkot Stallionz. 

Established teams like Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, and Multan Sultans also return.

Babar Azam leads Peshawar, while Shadab Khan captains Islamabad. David Warner takes charge of Karachi, and Mohammad Rizwan leads Rawalpindi.

Other early fixtures include Quetta against Karachi on March 27, Peshawar facing Rawalpindi on March 28, and Multan taking on Islamabad on the same day.

The league will proceed under revised conditions, with matches broadcast to global audiences as organisers manage travel and operational constraints. Teams are now expected to begin their campaigns in reduced formats.