Lahore, Karachi to host entire PSL 2026 as PCB cuts venues amid crisis

The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that Lahore and Karachi will host all matches of PSL 2026 after reducing venues from six to two, with the tournament set to be played behind closed doors due to the ongoing fuel crisis linked to the West Asia conflict.

Each city will stage 22 matches in the 34-game tournament, while the schedule itself remains unchanged. Defending champions Lahore Qalandars will kick off the season against new franchise Hyderabad Kingsmen on March 26 at Gaddafi Stadium.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the decision was driven by national austerity measures. With authorities urging reduced public movement, allowing large crowds into stadiums was deemed inappropriate. As a result, spectators will not be permitted, and the opening ceremony has been cancelled.

The tournament will begin with the first 14 matches in Lahore until April 6, before shifting to Karachi for the next phase. From April 21 onwards, both cities will share fixtures, including several double-headers split across venues.

The knockout stages have also been adjusted slightly. Karachi will now host the qualifier on April 28, while Lahore will stage both eliminators as well as the final on May 3, in line with the original plan for the title decider.

With fans unable to attend in person, the PCB has promised enhanced broadcast and production features to improve the viewing experience for audiences watching from home. The board remains optimistic that, despite the restrictions, the tournament will maintain strong engagement and potentially reach even wider audiences through television and digital platforms.

The changes underline the challenges facing the PSL this year, balancing operational constraints, player withdrawals and scheduling clashes with the IPL, while still aiming to deliver a successful season.