Franchise owners in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have appealed to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, requesting permission for spectators to return during the ongoing 11th edition.
The appeal followed an announcement by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who confirmed that the tournament would be scaled back significantly due to the prevailing situation.
Speaking alongside PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer, Naqvi said matches would be limited to Karachi and Lahore venues, while spectators would not be allowed inside stadiums.
He said the revised arrangements were finalised after meetings with franchise owners and consultations with the Prime Minister, who also serves as the Patron-in-Chief.
The decision resulted in cancellation of the opening ceremony and removal of matches from multiple cities, while Naqvi said postponement was not possible and confirmed refunds.
However, the absence of crowds in the Pakistan Super League prompted strong reactions from franchise owners, who used social media platform X to request intervention from Shehbaz Sharif.
Salman Iqbal, owner of Karachi Kings, said it was painful to witness empty stadiums, urging the Prime Minister to allow fans back and restore the league’s atmosphere.
He added that the PSL relies on public energy, expressing hope that supporters would return to stadiums soon and matches would once again be played before full crowds.
Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi said the Pakistan Super League is an inseparable part of millions of Pakistanis and a strong source of unity across the country.
He said the passion, colours and presence of fans define the league’s spirit, adding that matches feel incomplete without supporters attending and creating energy inside stadiums.
He requested Shehbaz Sharif to allow fans back, saying the league can unite people both in spirit and through shared experiences inside stadiums.
Atif Rana, owner of the Lahore Qalandars said the Pakistan Super League has grown into a celebration of cricket, driven by supporters across the country today.
He urged Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz to allow fans back into stadiums, saying matches feel incomplete without their presence and energy there.
Ahsan Tahir, owner of the Rawalpindiz said cricket depends on fans, urging the prime minister to allow supporters back into stadiums during PSL matches.
He added that those who can attend should support others, saying cricket belongs to the people and thrives on the energy created by fans.
Ali Naqvi, the owner of the three-times champions Islamabad United said the presence of fans has always been the heartbeat of the Pakistan Super League in stadiums.
He urged Shehbaz Sharif to allow supporters back, saying the league feels incomplete without crowds and teams should play before passionate fans again.
Fawad Sarwar, the owner of newly added franchise Hyderabad Kingsmen said his team deeply missed the energy of fans during their first Pakistan Super League match this season.
He requested Shehbaz Sharif to allow supporters back, adding the stadium should roar with every boundary, wicket, and moment of excitement from fans.
