Spectators will return to cricket stadiums in Pakistan for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began when the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) begins in the southern port city of Karachi on Saturday (20 February).
The government has allowed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to admit 20% capacity of fans inside the stadiums for the country´s premier T20 league, maintaining proper social distancing and making masks mandatory for spectators. The decision means the National Stadium in Karachi will accommodate 7,500 fans and Lahore´s Gaddafi Stadium 5,500.
"Without crowd there was no enjoyment," said Quetta Gladiators wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed. "It´s the great news that we will be playing in front of our own crowds after a long time."
During the pandemic, the PCB successfully hosted two international series - against Zimbabwe and South Africa - in empty stadiums besides organizing more than 200 domestic cricket matches in a bio-secure bubble and is now well-versed in implementing its COVID-19 procedures. Only one local player has been expelled for violating protocols during a domestic game.
More than 120 players, 60 support staff and about a dozen match officials will remain in a biosecure bubble for the PSL tournament. "COVID-19 and cricket can co-exist, provided we follow the proper protocols," PCB chairman Ehsan Mani said.
Mani admitted that a large number of fans will be disappointed due to limited seating available both in Karachi and Lahore. However, the government will review crowd capacity at Karachi's Gaddafi Stadium before the playoffs and the final in Lahore next month.
Karachi Kings defeated archrivals Lahore Qalandars in the final in November after the PSL playoffs were postponed due to COVID-19 in last March. Just three months later, the defending champions will open the new season with a match against 2019 winners Quetta.
The six-team event also features two-time champions Islamabad United, last year´s third-place finisher Multan Sultans and 2017 champions Peshawar Zalmi.
Several leading international Twenty20 cricketers will be in action over a month-long tournament including West Indies Chris Gayle and Rashid Khan of Afghanistan (both pictured).
Karachi will host the first 20 league games while Lahore will host the remaining 14 matches, including the final on March 22.
John Stephenson
john@cricketinvestor.co.uk
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