Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, said on Sunday that regional tensions have created uncertainty, making it difficult to predict how long the situation will persist, but the Pakistan Super League XI will begin on March 26 as scheduled.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said the Prime Minister had been consulted on holding the PSL, after which it was decided to proceed with the league on a limited scale.

He announced that all matches would be played without spectators and that fans would not be allowed into stadiums.

Naqvi said PSL XI matches would be restricted to two cities, Lahore and Karachi, and that expenses were being reduced as part of an austerity drive. He added that the opening ceremony planned in Lahore had been cancelled.

He said ticket holders would be refunded in full to avoid inconvenience to the public.

Naqvi said there was no major security issue, adding that all institutions were on alert and the intelligence system was functioning optimally.

He stressed that Pakistan remained a safe country for sports and said efforts to revive international cricket would continue.

The PCB chairman added that a revised PSL XI schedule would be released soon to keep teams and fans informed.