New Delhi: Pakistan has urged cricket fans to stay home and watch its premier domestic tournament—the Pakistan Super League—on television, as the government seeks to conserve fuel amid economic strain linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
The X handle Iceland Cricket, known for its hilarious takes on world cricket, couldn’t let the announcement pass.
“We have always wondered what PSL stands for and it turns out it means Petrol Shortage League,” the account posted.
The PSL is coming up and that is very exciting for many millions of cricket fans.
We have always wondered what PSL stands for and it turns out it means Petrol Shortage League.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) March 22, 2026
Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also chairs the Pakistan Cricket Board, said Sunday that the tournament would proceed in a scaled-down format when it begins on Thursday, 26 March, with matches limited to Lahore and Karachi rather than the original six cities, and the opening ceremony scrapped. The league runs until 3 May.
“We cannot ask people to restrict their movement and at the same time allow tens of thousands to gather in stadiums daily,” Naqvi said on the “watch-from-home” model, adding that the decision was made after consultations with franchise owners.
“Fans will be able to receive refunds for tickets, and we apologise for the inconvenience,” he added. “As long as this situation continues, matches will be played without crowds.”
Despite the challenges, Naqvi said it was important to go ahead with the tournament.
“The PSL is an international brand with foreign players involved. If we postponed it, there would be no window later to host it,” he said.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from fans and commentators, some of whom questioned the value of holding matches without spectators, while others pointed to broader challenges facing the league.
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‘No point’
Online, the reaction was roughly divided three ways: fans angry at losing the live experience, frustration at international players ditching the league for the IPL, and anxiety about PSL’s credibility.
“PCB should cancel the tournament or host it abroad if they’re not going to allow fans at the stadium. There’s no point in cricket without spectators,” a fan wrote on X.
Another posted that it was a “tremendous shame” that the PSL was being played behind closed doors.
The PSL being played behind closed doors is a tremendous shame. Completely understand the logic behind the choice. But will hugely impact the quality of the broadcast. The fans are everything.
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) March 22, 2026
Meanwhile, the league also battling players exits. Several international players have reportedly opted to participate in the IPL instead of the PSL.
Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, who had signed with Islamabad United as a replacement for Shamar Joseph, pulled out before the season to join Kolkata Knight Riders after the franchise parted ways with Mustafizur Rahman. Others expected to switch the league for IPL teams include Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka and West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie.
“The PCB is worried about empty stadiums, but honestly, with the way players are jumping ship to the IPL, the dugouts are going to be emptier than the stands anyway,” Pakistani X user Syed Anees wrote.
Others questioned the integrity of the league’s auction process.
“PSL auction was so pointless. After all that hype, the drafts, the announcements, the “strategy”, teams are just trading players every day and signing whoever they want directly,” said one post.
PSL auction was so pointless. After all that hype, the drafts, the announcements, the “strategy”, teams are just trading players every day and signing whoever they want directly. Auctioned players are leaving due to “personal reasons”, replacements are being pulled out of…
— Ali Sufian (@AliSufianWasif) March 22, 2026
However, one Pakistani cricket fan exhorted players to remember what PSL had done for them, rather than jumping ship to the IPL.
Players leaving PSL for IPL should remember one thing. PSL gave them a chance when IPL didn’t. Next year IPL might not pick them again, and PSL will not pick them either. They would be without a Job. PSL was a brand before them and will remain a brand. Pakistan Zindabad. #PINDIZ
— WeArePindiZ (@WeArePindiZ) March 22, 2026
Another offered an even more dire prediction: “Soon, Mohsin Naqvi will announce the cancellation of the PSL himself.”
(Edited by Asavari Singh)