Pakistan Super League increase Karachi crowd capacity to 50 per cent

Permission has also been granted for the Pakistan Cricket Board to stage the playoffs in front of full capacity crowds

The number of spectators allowed at matches played in Karachi in this year’s Pakistan Super League has been increased to 50 per cent.

Permission has also been granted for the Pakistan Cricket Board to stage the playoffs in front of full capacity crowds.

Through the early days of the competition, the capacity was set at 20 per cent, with stringent Covid-19 measures in place. Supporters have to wear a mask in the stands, and groups may only consist of members of one household.

After March 7, the remainder of the tournament moves to Lahore, where a decision on numbers will be made at a later date, with the verdict dependent on how fans follow the procedures in place.

PCB chief executive Wasim Khan explained: “We are most grateful to the NCOC (National Command and Operation Centre) for allowing the PCB to allow up to 50 per cent of spectators for all remaining preliminary round matches and up to 100 per cent spectators for the play-offs and final.

“As a starting point, we have decided to immediately increase crowd attendances for all Karachi-leg matches to 50 per cent. However, we will continue to assess how the crowds follow and implement the SOPs before we make a decision on crowd attendances for the Lahore-leg matches.

“As chief executive of the game’s governing body in Pakistan, it is my responsibility to urge and request all spectators attending the Karachi and Lahore-leg matches to come to the venues wearing masks, maintaining social distancing at all times and regularly using hand santisers.

“This is not only for their personal health and wellbeing, but also for those other spectators around them. Come and watch, but stay safe and keep others safe.”

Khan added that the tournament would continue to enforce its ‘no mask, no entry’ policy.