Players in the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) have vowed to maintain high standards on the field despite matches being played without spectators, Dawn reported on Wednesday. The tournament, set to begin on 26 March, has been billed as a “new era” for the league with eight teams participating for the first time under an expanded format.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that all fixtures will proceed behind closed doors at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Stadium in Karachi, instead of the originally planned six cities, as part of nationwide austerity and fuel‑conservation measures linked to the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia. The opening ceremony was also cancelled.
Players including Peshawar Zalmi all‑rounder Iftikhar Ahmed and Quetta Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel acknowledged the disappointment of empty stands but insisted that the quality of cricket will not be compromised. “Without the crowd, as players, we can’t enjoy it the same way … but this is how it is now, so we have to enjoy it anyway,” Iftikhar said at a training session, recalling the packed atmosphere at recent domestic matches.
Younger talents such as Islamabad United’s Sameer Minhas also stressed the importance of the PSL as a platform to attract national selectors’ attention, adding that players will bring full commitment regardless of turnout.
The first leg of PSL 11, running until April 6, will feature 14 matches before the tournament shifts to Karachi for the concluding group fixtures, playoffs and final on May 3.