The Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has commented on crowds being allowed in the Indian Premier League. He stated that the decision of the Pakistan Cricket Board to not allow crowds in the stadium is to deal with the existing shortage of gas. He added that there aren’t long queues in front of the petrol pumps in Pakistan because they have dealt with the crisis well, but in India it isn’t the same case.
"Our stance is a bit different. In India, the lines at petrol pumps are long, and there is a fuel shortage. In your country, there isn’t. In difficult times, those who reorganize themselves find things easier," said Mohsin Naqvi. The PCB Chairman has had history with the Indian Cricket Team in the past, especially after the 2025 Asia Cup trophy controversy.
Fuel crisis justification and controversial India claims spark debate over PCB’s decision
In the 2026 edition of the Pakistan Super League, the Pakistan Cricket Board had taken a collective decision to avoid fans from coming to the stadium. Due to the existing US-Iran crisis, there has been a shortage of fuel and gas in certain countries. Hence, the PCB took the decision to limit the travel expenses of the fans and for logistics as well. There used to be crowds of approximately 30,000 fans in the stadium and the decision could hurt their revenue inflow as well. There could also be a dilemma in the future regarding sponsorships as such decisions lead to a decline in the trust of sponsors as well. The lack of atmosphere created in the league could negatively impact foreign players as they may be more attracted to other franchise leagues.
However, the claim of Mohsin Naqvi citing India’s fuel shortage and long queues at petrol pumps is a baseless allegation. There are no credible reports to support Naqvi’s argument as no fuel shortages or long queues in petrol pumps have been reported so far. While there have been localized queues for Auto LPG in certain places, it does not reflect a nationwide crisis. The Indian Premier League is a franchise league that has never failed with its planning. The league is being conducted will full stadium attendance across multiple cities and states. There is no need for a restriction on movement for the Indian fans, as there has been no fuel shortage as of now. The BCCI has taken decisions in the past with consideration for public welfare and there is no doubt that the primary importance is given to the safety and welfare of the citizens.
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Despite the claims of Mohsin Naqvi of taking such decisions to restrict movement, the fans haven’t received the news quite well as they suggest that there may be another hidden reason. When franchise leagues are held in empty stadiums, it does not feel the same and the allegations of the PCB chairman could be his way of coping with his existing insecurities.
