In a comment that has left the cricketing world baffled, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has offered a surprising new rationale for empty stands in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. During a recent interaction with local media, Naqvi claimed that while the fuel situation in Pakistan is under control, it is India that is facing a severe shortage of petrol.
The remarks mark a bizarre reversal from the PCB’s official stance just weeks ago. At the end of March, Naqvi cited a national shortage of fuel in Pakistansparked by regional conflicts in the Middle East, as the primary reason for banning spectators and restricting matches to only two venues – Lahore and Karachi – during the PSL.
AN IMAGINARY CRISIS
Speaking to reporters about whether fans would be allowed back into stadiums for the business end of the tournament, Naqvi changed the narrative completely.
While Naqvi revealed that he would meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the possibility of allowing spectators back into the PSL halls, he pointed to the alleged oil crisis in India – a claim that has since drawn widespread backlash.
“Today I discussed with PSL team owners and PSL teams. Even Karachi (Kings) have requested, so I will meet the prime minister and ask him again what is possible,” Naqvi said.
He then turned his attention across the border, adding: “We have been working for peace. We hope peace will come soon. The Prime Minister is also working on that. We have a different attitude.”
There is an oil crisis in India and there are long queues at petrol pumps in India. We don’t have long lines here.”
Several social media users criticized Naqvi for what they described as baseless claims about India’s fuel crisis. In fact, fuel prices in India remained stable till April 2026, with no reports of supply disruptions or long queues that Naqvi mentioned.
CONTROVERSY CAMPAIGN
The explanation highlights the growing disconnect in PCB messaging. On 22 March, Naqvi personally apologized to fans – particularly those in Peshawar – explaining that the government had urged citizens to limit their movements to conserve energy.
“We’ve closed schools and introduced working from home… we can’t ask people to restrict their movement and then have 30,000 people in stadiums every day,” he said at the time.
However, his latest comments suggest that Pakistan is doing better than its neighbour, despite the fact that PSL matches continue to be played behind closed doors while the IPL in India is played in front of capacity crowds.
The remarks sparked a wave of criticism and ridicule on social media, with fans pointing out the irony of the situation. Critics have noted that while the PSL is being played without spectators to save fuel, the PCB chief now claims there is no shortage at all in Pakistan.
As the tournament enters its final stages, the mystery of the empty stands continues. After a rest day on April 14, the PSL will resume on Wednesday and run until May 3.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
14 Apr 2026 18:52 IST
