The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will stage the the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 in only two cities, conducting matches without spectators to comply with government austerity measures.
Gate collections at stadiums generated nearly 500 million rupees during the PSL 2025, a revenue stream now entirely eliminated due to the absence of fans in PSL 11 matches.
Under the PSL financial system, ticket revenue is pooled centrally, alongside broadcasting, sponsorship, and other commercial income, rather than being distributed to individual teams directly.
Revenue is distributed according to a fixed formula, with PCB retaining slightly over five percent and the remaining 90 percent shared equally among all franchise teams.
In the eighth edition of PSL, total revenue reached 562 crore rupees, with PCB receiving approximately 58 crore and six teams averaging roughly 84 crore rupees each.
Because gate income is part of the central pool, the absence of spectators will reduce all franchises’ revenue, though PCB has pledged to absorb the financial shortfall.
Earlier, it was reported that PCB was reassessing its decision to hold the 2026 Pakistan Super League matches behind closed doors amid requests and public discussions.
Fans Push for PSL Stadium Return
Cricket fans have launched a widespread social media campaign urging authorities to allow spectators at remaining PSL fixtures of the 44‑match tournament nationwide.
Supporters expressed their interest in attending matches, emphasizing the importance of live atmosphere and highlighting the financial contribution of ticket sales to the sustainability of the league.
Franchise Owners Appeal to Prime Minister
Franchise owners have formally submitted appeals to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requesting that stadiums reopen to fans to ensure financial viability of PSL operations.
Officials indicated that allowing spectators would require coordination between franchises, security agencies, and the PCB, taking into account current resource limitations and potential crowd management challenges.
The appeals followed discussions among team executives, who emphasized that spectator presence is critical for franchise revenue and long-term league growth in Pakistan.
Current Logistics and Tournament Operations
The tournament began on Thursday in Lahore without spectators due to a regional fuel crisis and government-imposed austerity measures limiting nonessential travel by the public.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi previously stated that matches would be restricted to Karachi and Lahore to conserve fuel and resources amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Refunds have already been processed for fans who purchased tickets for early matches, while television broadcasts remain the primary medium for spectators during current logistical constraints.
