Pakistan Cricket League Plays On Despite Oil Crisis

Pakistan's premier T20 cricket league, the Pakistan Super League, will be held as scheduled from March 26, but the matches will be played in empty stadiums due to the country's ongoing energy crisis.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the league will be restricted to just two venues - Multan and Rawalpindi - as a measure to conserve electricity and fuel resources. The decision was made after discussions with the government and tournament stakeholders.

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The energy crisis in Pakistan has been exacerbated by the economic turmoil and global supply chain issues following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The country is facing severe shortages of natural gas and electricity, leading to power outages and fuel rationing.

Despite the challenges, the PCB is determined to ensure the Pakistan Super League goes ahead as planned. Najam Sethi, the PCB chairman, stated that the league is a source of pride for the nation and a significant event in the cricketing calendar.

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The league will feature six teams - Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. Top international cricketers, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, are expected to participate in the tournament.

The decision to hold the league in empty stadiums is a necessary compromise to ensure the event's continuity and maintain Pakistan's cricketing momentum. The PCB is hopeful that the energy crisis will be resolved in the coming months, allowing for the return of fans to the stadiums for the later stages of the tournament.

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