In a comment that has left the cricketing world baffled, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has offered a startling new justification for the empty stands at the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. During a recent interaction with local media, Naqvi claimed that while Pakistan’s fuel situation is under control, it is India that is grappling with a severe petrol shortage and long queues at pumps.
The remarks mark a bizarre U-turn from the PCB’s official stance just weeks ago. In late March, Naqvi had cited a national fuel shortage in Pakistan, triggered by regional conflicts in the Middle East, as the primary reason for banning spectators and restricting matches to just two venues — Lahore and Karachi — during the PSL.
IMAGINARY CRISIS
Speaking to reporters about whether fans would be allowed back into stadiums for the business end of the tournament, Naqvi shifted the narrative entirely.
While revealing that he would meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the possibility of allowing spectators back into PSL venues, Naqvi instead pointed to an alleged oil crisis in India — a claim that has since drawn widespread backlash.
“Today I discussed with PSL team owners and PSL teams. Even Karachi (Kings) have requested, so I will meet the PM and request him again about what is possible,” Naqvi said.
He then turned his attention across the border, adding: “We have been working towards peace. We hope to have peace soon. The PM is also working towards that. We have a different stance.
There is an oil crisis in India and there are long queues at petrol pumps in India. We don’t have long queues here.”
Several social media users have criticised Naqvi for what they described as a baseless claim about a fuel crisis in India. In reality, fuel prices in India have remained stable through April 2026, with no reports of supply disruptions or the long queues Naqvi referred to.
CAMPAIGN OF CONTRADICTION
The explanation highlights a growing disconnect in the PCB’s messaging. On March 22, Naqvi had personally apologised to fans — particularly those in Peshawar — explaining that the government had urged citizens to restrict their movement to conserve energy.
“We closed schools and instituted work from home… we can’t ask people to restrict their movements and then have 30,000 people in stadiums every day,” he had said at the time.
However, his latest comments suggest that Pakistan is faring better than its neighbour, despite the fact that PSL matches continue to be played behind closed doors, while the IPL in India is being held in front of capacity crowds.
The remarks have triggered a wave of criticism and mockery on social media, with fans pointing out the irony of the situation. Critics have noted that while the PSL is being played without spectators to conserve fuel, the PCB chief is now claiming that there is no shortage in Pakistan at all.
With the tournament entering its final stages, the mystery of the empty stands continues. Following a rest day on April 14, the PSL will resume on Wednesday and run until May 3.
