A section of cricket fans are heavily trolling the Pakistan Cricket Board after the management decided to severely curtail its arrangements for the Pakistan Super League. The PCB on Sunday, March 22, decided to curtail this year’s competition, reducing the number of venues from six to two amid the ongoing oil crisis.
In addition to reducing the number of seats, the PSL also decided to cancel the opening ceremony and hold matches behind closed doors in a bid to cut costs. Along with the global oil crisis, the league has also been rocked by several player exits, with several players now signing as injury replacements in the Indian Premier League.
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A section of fans found the situation funny and even called the PSL the “League of Gasoline Scarcity”, mocking the downsized format of the tournament.
The PSL is in direct competition with the Indian Premier League this year as it could not continue in its original window due to the T20 World Cup 2026. Players like Blessing Muzarabani and reportedly Dasun Shanaka have pulled out of the PSL to join the IPL as injury replacements.
Playing in the IPL offers a significantly higher financial return compared to the PSL and from a player’s point of view, it is understandable why many choose to take advantage of these opportunities.
IPL vs PSL
The developments surrounding the PSL this season highlight a deeper challenge that goes beyond just logistics or planning. While external factors such as the oil crisis forced the PCB to take cost-cutting measures, the simultaneous exodus of players to the IPL exposed the widening gulf between the two leagues in terms of financial strength and global appeal.
For a tournament once ranked as the second most competitive T20 league in the world, these compromises – limited venues, no opening ceremony and empty stands – risk further damaging its image. The optics, especially when contrasted with the range and stability of the IPL, didn’t help, as reflected in the online backlash.
At the same time, the situation highlights the reality of modern franchise cricket. Players are increasingly making pragmatic decisions, prioritizing financial security and visibility, even if it means changing leagues at short notice.
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the board will take legal action against such players. The PCB banned Corbin Bosch for a year last season after the South African pulled out of the league late.
“We will take action against these players as per the rules. Last year also there was a case (of Corbin Bosch who was banned from PSL for one year) and the same will happen this time,” Naqvi said at a press conference on Sunday.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
March 23, 2026 09:36 IST
