"Disappointing Crowd": Mohsin Naqvi’s PCB Slammed After Low Turnout In PSL Playoffs

Fans slam low crowd turnout in PSL 2026 [Source: screengrab and AFP]

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially unlocked doors for the crowds to come pouring in for the PSL 2026 playoffs. However, the response was far from overwhelming as large sections of the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore remained visibly empty during the high-stakes Eliminator match between the Multan Sultans and Hyderabad Kingsmen franchises.

On Wednesday, April 29, visuals of sparsely occupied stands went viral on social media, with several fans taking aim at the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB for the board’s apparent mismanagement in handling the league.

Pakistan fans react to low crowd turnout in PSL 2026 eliminator

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, holding a capacity of over 30,000 spectators, witnessed what appeared to be a turnout of well below half its capacity in the all-important Eliminator match of the PSL 2026 season.

The low turnout came as a surprise because the PCB had only recently reopened stadium gates for fans after conducting the league stage of the tournament behind closed doors. With supporters finally allowed back for the playoffs, many expected a significantly stronger turnout for such a crucial fixture.

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In any case, lower turnout for the PSL 2026 eliminator sparked much criticism among Pakistan cricket fans. Several fans took to X and expressed their frustrations, with many claiming the empty stands reflected the league’s declining appeal.

Some fans also drew comparisons with the first qualifier held a day earlier at National Stadium, which witnessed a far better turnout, helped in no small part by crowd-puller and fan-favorite Babar Azam and his match-winning century against the Islamabad United.

Here is a look at some of the fans reacting to the low crowd turnout at the Gaddafi Stadium for the PSL 2026 Eliminator.

Salman.

@TsMeSalman1_

Very surprising to see a below-par turnout at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore for Eliminator 1.

Apr 29, 2026, 8:59 PM

Sheri.

@CallMeSheri1_

A disappointing crowd at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore for the Eliminator 1.

Apr 29, 2026, 8:54 PM

Abdullah

@Abdullahhhh_56

@CallMeSheri1_ No Babar no crowd

yang goi

@GongR1ght

I thought it was going to be a full house in Lahore but the stadium looks more than half empty

Hmmmm

@hmm_mmm1

There is no crowd in lahore today and yesterday there was a full house even in karachi where you won't see any crowd. Just babar Azam Effect 👑 PCB Should Thank Babar Azam Every day because he is playing for PCB. Biggest Superstar Biggest Brand Of The Country By A Fair Mrgin.

Apr 29, 2026, 8:44 PM

WeAreGhalib

@WeAreGhalib

Today, after seeing this Lahore crowd, I must say Babar Azam is the biggest crowd-puller in Pakistan. No one is even close to him.

Ali Khan Tareen

@aliktareen

Quite surprised to see such a low turnout for today’s game at Qaddafi stadium…

Why was PSL 2026 played behind closed doors?

The PCB announced an extravagant multi-venue schedule for the PSL 2026 season earlier this year. However, the board later decided to host the tournament behind closed doors owing to the prevailing fuel crisis in the country.

The PCB also made the decision to host the entire tournament in just two Pakistani venues, as they offered the refunds to the fans after announcing the revamped schedule.

However, following persistent fan demand, the PCB reversed its stance and reopened stadiums, albeit only for the playoffs. Ironically, the underwhelming turnout at the Gaddafi Stadium only added to the criticism surrounding the tournament’s handling.

Multan Sultans vs Kingsmen: Story so far

Multan Sultans batted first and charted 159-9 in 20 overs. Both in-form openers, Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith failed to recreate their league stage heroics on the big day. Shan Masood at number four top-scored in the innings with a sublime 69* from 46 balls with four fours and four huge sixes.

For the Hyderabad Kingsmen, the likes of Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed and Hunain Shah all picked up two wickets each in the innings.

The winner of the match will face the Islamabad United in the second eliminator of the PSL 2026 season.

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