Mohsin Naqvi Announces PSL 2026 Changes as Tournament Moves Behind Closed Doors

The Pakistan Cricket Board has suffered another setback. Some international players from the PSL are leaving to play in the IPL, and now there are also major budget cuts. In a press conference on Sunday, chief Mohsin Naqvi shared a few big decisions.

He confirmed that the tournament will be held at only two venues, and will not be open to spectators. The PSL 2026 was initially supposed to happen in Multan, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore, but now only Karachi and Lahore will host the event. 

PCB Faces Embarrassment as PSL 2026 Moves Behind Closed Doors with Only Two Venues

In fact, the opening ceremony has also been cancelled.

“Consultations regarding the PSL had been ongoing for several days,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by Geosuper.tv.

“We don’t know how long the current situation will persist, but hosting the PSL is essential. It is an international brand, and foreign players are involved. Everyone is eager for the PSL to go ahead,” he added. 

“If we had postponed the PSL, there would be no window later to hold it. We have prepared a new schedule that minimises team movements. Fans will be able to receive refunds for tickets, and we apologise to them for the inconvenience,” he said.

For those unaware, this may be due to the Middle East crisis, which has affected oil supply to Pakistan and caused shortages.

There’s another issue as well. Since Pakistan Super League 2026 is clashing with the Indian Premier League 2026, some foreign players have already pulled out of the PSL.

Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani ditched Islamabad United to join KKR, while Dasun Shanaka ditched Lahore to be part of RR, as a replacement of Sam Curran.