Franchise owners of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have jointly urged Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif to allow spectators back into stadiums during the ongoing 2026 season.
The tournament has shifted to empty venues due to the ongoing Middle East crisis. Organisers have also reduced the number of venues, with all matches now taking place in Lahore and Karachi instead of the originally planned six cities.
However, after seeing empty stadiums, PSL franchises have called for fans to return, saying matches without crowds feel like practice games.
Several team owners shared their concerns on social media, highlighting the absence of fans and its impact on the league’s atmosphere.
“PSL has grown into a celebration of cricket, powered by its people. But without fans, it feels incomplete. The fans are the true spirit of the Pakistan Super League. We respectfully urge Honourable Prime Minister to allow supporters back into stadiums,” Lahore Qalandars owner Atif Rana wrote on X.
Peshawar Zalmi Chairman Javed Afridi also called for reconsideration. “The PSL is an inseparable part of the lives of millions of Pakistanis and a powerful source of unity for the entire nation. The passion, colours and presence of our fans are the true soul of this league. Without them, its spirit feels diminished.”
“We deeply missed the energy of the crowd in our first PSL game. While the teams bring the heat, it’s the fans in the stands who bring the passion and heart to the league. I humbly request the Honourable Prime Minister to allow fans back into the stadium,” Hyderabad Kingsmen owner Fawad Sarwar said.
Islamabad United owner Ali Naqvi said that the energy of fans in the stadium had always been the heartbeat of the PSL. “The PSL is not complete without its fans in the stadium.”
Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal said that as a founding team owner, it pained him to see empty stadiums. “The league depends on public energy, so let the people be part of the game again.”
Multan Sultans owner Gohar Shah expressed his support in a brief statement, writing, “1000%, we need fans back!”
Rawalpindiz owner Ahsan Tahir said there was no cricket without fans. “Cricket belongs to the people, and it thrives on their energy.”
The ongoing season, running from March 26 to May 3, for the first time features eight teams competing for the title.