![\"PSL](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130114277,imgsize-21808,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/psl-team-owner-contradicts-mohsin-naqvi.jpg\" "\\"PSL")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: The absence of crowds in Pakistan Super League<\/a> (PSL) 2026 matches has sparked debate after Islamabad United owner Ali Naqvi<\/a> offered an unusual explanation, linking it to Pakistan\u2019s role in global diplomacy. His remarks suggested that empty stadiums were part of a larger national effort, though this version differs from what officials, including Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, had earlier stated. <\/p>\n Watch<\/span><\/p>\n Fleming explains where CSK lost the match in final 4 overs<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n In a post on X, Naqvi argued that Pakistan prioritised peace efforts over cricket entertainment, especially due to its involvement in ceasefire discussions.“Not hosting matches in Pindi makes complete sense \u2014 Islamabad was clearly the chosen venue for sensitive ceasefire discussions, and the unpredictable timing demanded absolute flexibility on logistics and security,” he added.He remarked that security resources were focused on bigger priorities, ading, “When forced to weigh entertainment against helping deliver global peace, I believe every Pakistani would have made the exact same call.”Naqvi also dismissed comparisons with other leagues, saying, “Also, comparisons with another league that has allowed fans, are simply not valid.”<\/p>\n However, this explanation clashes with the Pakistan Cricket Board\u2019s earlier statement. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had said the no-crowd policy was due to a fuel shortage limiting public movement.\u201cThe [Pakistan] Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif] has requested restricted movements of people because of the fuel crisis, so we have decided that the PSL would continue as per the original schedule but without crowds,\u201d he had said.Critics argue that linking empty stadiums to global peace efforts stretches the narrative too far. What appears to be a practical issue, fuel shortages and logistics, has been reframed as a major diplomatic sacrifice.<\/div>\n\nAli Naqvi\u2019s claim and reaction<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Official version and criticism<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n