Coronavirus: PSL 2020 matches in Karachi to take place without crowd, says Murtaza Wahab

KARACHI: Advisor to the Chief Minister on Law Murtaza Wahab tweeted on Thursday that all Pakistan Super League (2020) matches in Karachi will be held without the crowd. 

"Sindh Govt has decided that the remaining matches of PSL in Karachi will take place without any crowd. This decision has been made after consultation with all stakeholders including the Pakistan Cricket Board," he tweeted. 

The National Stadium in Karachi had been set to host five matches, on March 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17.

However, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that the fans will be allowed to come to the stadium in today's match. 

The matches from Friday and onwards will be played behind behind closed doors, he said.

PCB follows Sindh's orders

The Pakistan Cricket Board in a press release in -line with the Sindh government's decision of holding matches behind closed doors saying that: "The decision will be enforced from Friday, 13 March, while for the Thursday, 12 March, fixture, the PCB and the Sindh Government have strongly advised the spectators to continue to take all necessary precautionary measures ."

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “Health and safety is paramount and takes precedence over cricket. The PCB takes the health and safety of its players, spectators, officials, media, service providers and security personnel very seriously.

“Following the advisory from the Government of Sindh this evening, the PCB has taken this precautionary and preemptive measure which will result in matches taking place in front of empty stadium.

“We empathise with the Karachi fans who have been outstanding with their support in the earlier matches and during the hosting of eight HBLPSL matches last year. Once we received the advisory from the Government of Sindh, it was important for us to act quickly to ensure that the wellbeing of all concerned is better protected.

“The PCB has been regularly engaging with the teams and the players and have been updating them on matters. We have a duty of care to players and other stakeholders during this time; we would like to thank them for their continued trust and support.