PSL 2026 is hosted behind closed doors due to security concerns. PC- AP
With the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026) heading towards its business end, the league is producing a lot of action and drama on daily basis. Although the current season is being played in just two venue and behind closed-doors, PSL 2026 is able to manufacture some nail-biting encounters.
Due to the war in the Middle East, the ongoing season of the PSL 2026 is hosted without any fans due to a shortage of fuel in the country. Meanwhile, the league is also limited to two venues - Lahore and Karachi - due to the elevated security concerns amidst the Pakistan-Afghanistan tension.
Despite all the difficulties, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to host the league at home, and they have been successful in doing so despite the backlash.
PCB to construct stadium in Saudi for PSL
The PSL was played in the UAE in the inaugural season, before the board decided to bring it home for the playoffs from PSL 2017 onwards. However, in 2020, the league was played entirely in Pakistan. Although the next was played in Abu Dhabi and the UAE due to the Covid-19 outbreak, it has been a consistent extravaganza hosted in Pakistan from then on.
The Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB is planning to take the PSL out of Pakistan once again. If reports are to be believed, the board is in talks with the Saudi Arabian government to construct a stadium in the Middle Eastern country.
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According to veteran journalist Saleem Khaliq, the Saudi Arabia stadium is still in the early stages of talks and is aimed at hosting some PSL games. Although the negotiations are still ongoing, it is positive news in Pakistan's cricketing circuit.
"PCB is planning to construct a cricket stadium in Saudia, which could potentially host PSL matches in the future. The project is still in its early stages. If negotiations with local authorities are successful, a agreement will be signed, after which construction work will begin," the journalist revealed via a X post.
Saleem Khaliq on post on his X. PC-X/@saleemkhaliq
Is Saudi Arabia investing in Cricket?
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has shown its willingness to invest in cricket to promote the sport in the country. However, the Middle Eastern country has no expertise in the game.
A couple of years ago, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hosted the IPL 2025 mega-auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which is eagerly looking to invest in sports to diversify its economy.
In 2025, the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) inked a historic 15-year deal with the ILT20, which has approved the league to host matches within Saudi Arabia starting from its fourth season. In return, the Kingdom will get for the participation of a Saudi player in each of the six teams.
What is happening in PSL 2026?
Talking about the ongoing PSL 2026, the Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi are currently ruling the points table, with 15 points in 8 games. They are followed by Multan Sultans, Islamabad United, and Quetta Gladiators.
Heading towards its business end, the playoffs begin on April 28, with the final scheduled for May 3 at the Gaddafi Stadium.
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