Lahore, March 22, 2026 – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced major changes to the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11, confirming that the tournament will begin on March 26 but will be played without spectators due to prevailing security concerns.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi made the announcement during a press conference in Lahore, stating that the decision was taken after consultations with franchise owners and the government, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who serves as the Patron-in-Chief of the PCB.
Matches Limited to Two Cities
Originally planned across six cities—Multan, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore—the tournament will now be hosted only in Karachi and Lahore. Naqvi said the revised structure aims to minimize logistical challenges and ensure smooth execution amid uncertain conditions.
He added that the opening ceremony has also been cancelled to reduce costs and simplify operations. “Hosting the PSL is essential as it is an international brand with foreign players,” he noted, emphasizing that the tournament will proceed as scheduled without delay.
No Crowd Policy and Ticket Refunds
In a significant setback for fans, all matches will initially be played behind closed doors. The PCB has assured that ticket holders will receive refunds. According to Naqvi, the decision was unavoidable given the current environment, though it may be revisited if conditions improve.
Franchise teams have also been taken into confidence, and the PCB has pledged to compensate them for financial losses arising from the absence of matchday crowds.
Tournament Structure and Schedule
Despite the changes, PSL 11 will follow its original competitive format. Each team will play 10 matches in the league stage, followed by playoffs consisting of Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the final. The final is scheduled for May 3 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, with May 4 reserved as a backup day.
Several double-headers were also part of the original schedule, with Lahore expected to host the highest number of matches. However, the revised plan reduces venue movement and consolidates fixtures.
Government and Security Context
Naqvi stressed that the decision was influenced by regional developments and ongoing security considerations rather than internal issues within Pakistan. He added that the country remains safe for international cricket, and foreign players are expected to arrive shortly.
He further noted that austerity measures and rising fuel costs have also impacted planning across sectors, reinforcing the need for streamlined operations.
PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer reiterated that stakeholders remain committed to ensuring the successful completion of the tournament despite the challenges.
PSL 11 will now proceed under tight conditions, balancing cricketing continuity with safety and logistical constraints, as Pakistan continues to host one of its premier sporting events.