Pakistan Super League (PSL) To Take Place Behind Closed Doors

Amid the rapid increase of coronavirus outbreak all over the globe, the 2020 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been announced to held behind closed doors. The entire tournament of the T20 league is taking place in Pakistan for the first time with Karachi all set to host six matches, including a playoff tie. The match on Thursday went as planned initially; however, the fixtures from Friday are understood to take place with empty stadiums.

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This is not the only sporting event to take place behind closed doors. Sporting occasions all over the world have been plunged into chaos, which are either being cancelled or postponed. BCCI has also confirmed that the remaining two ODIs between India and South Africa would take place with empty stadiums with the final decision on the Indian Premier League yet to come.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made the above call following a piece of advice from the Sindh Government late Thursday afternoon. The Sindh Government had advised strongly against the spectators visiting the stadium and instead take all the necessary measures to remain safe. The total positive cases in Pakistan have risen to 24.

“Following advice from the Sindh Government late Thursday afternoon, the Pakistan Cricket Board, has made a decision to stage the upcoming Karachi HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 matches in front of empty National Stadium.”

“The decision will be enforced from Friday, 13 March, while for the Thursday, 12 March, fixture, the PCB and the Sindh Government have strongly advised the spectators to continue to take all necessary precautionary measures. The precautionary decision has been made to better protect the health and safety of the spectators, players, officials and media.” PCB said as quoted by India Today.

Families of the competing players would be allowed to enter the stadium:

PCB additionally claimed that the decision wouldn’t affect the commercial partners, media, and service providers, who would be permitted to make their presence felt at the National Stadium. The support personnel, franchise owners, as well as the family members of the athletes also have the green signal.

“The decision will not impact accredited commercial partners, media and other service providers, who will be allowed to enter the National Stadium. In addition, immediate families of the competing players and player support personnel as well as franchise owners will be allowed to attend matches.” the board added further.

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