KARACHI: Authorities in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province announced to hold the remaining matches of Pakistan Super League (PSL) in a closed cricket stadium in Karachi, the seaside metropolis where 14 out of 20 confirmed coronavirus cases have so far been reported.
“All the PSL matches in the National Stadium, except for Thursday (today), will be played without spectators,” a Sindh government’s handout quoted Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah as saying.
“It is risky to allow the spectators to gather in the stadium to witness the matches, and we cannot put everyone at risk. Therefore, the matches will be held without spectators.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board also confirmed the decision and said it would be enforced from Friday, March 13.
For the match played on Thursday, the PCB and the Sindh government have strongly advised the spectators to continue to take all necessary precautionary measures.
The decision will not impact accredited commercial partners, media and other service providers, who will be allowed to enter the National Stadium, the PCB clarified, adding: “In addition, immediate families of the competing players and player support personnel as well as franchise owners will be allowed to attend the matches.”
In the meantime, the PCB has advised all players to avoid shaking hands and urged the fans not to approach the players for autographs, photographs and selfies.
In addition to this, the PCB has decided that the two teams would not be required to shake hands with each other, and they could use a fist bump or verbal greeting instead.
PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “Health and safety is paramount and takes precedence over cricket. The PCB takes the health and safety of its players, spectators, officials, media, service providers and security personnel very seriously.
“Following the advisory from the government of Sindh this evening, the PCB has taken this precautionary and preemptive measure which will result in matches taking place in an empty stadium.
“We empathize with the Karachi fans who have been outstanding with their support in the earlier matches and during the hosting of eight HBLPSL matches last year. Once we received the advisory from the government of Sindh, it was important for us to act quickly to ensure that the well being of all concerned is better protected.
“With regards to the remaining fixtures in Lahore, we are already in contact with the Punjab government and will take on board its advisory in relation to the Lahore matches.
“With regard to the refunding of tickets, this will be in line with the ticketing policy and will be refunded through TCS and www.yayvo.com. Details in this regard will be shared in due course,” he added.
PSL matches in Karachi to be held in empty stadium from today
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PSL matches in Karachi to be held in empty stadium from today
- 15 out of Pakistan's 20 coronavirus cases are reported in Sindh, 14 of them in Karachi alone
- PCB says it will refund PSL tickets for the last four matches at the National Stadium
Pakistan offers seaport for global cargo transshipment amid Gulf conflict escalation
- Karachi Port Trust says its services can ensure ‘continuity and stability’ of maritime trade
- The region is currently witnessing significant disruptions to global trade and oil shipments
KARACHI: Pakistan has offered its Karachi seaport for uninterrupted global cargo transshipments as escalating Middle East tensions threaten maritime trade, the country’s largest port operator said on Friday.
Iran has been rocked by joint US and Israeli strikes since Feb. 28 that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US, Israeli and allied targets across the Gulf, plunging the region into conflict and uncertainty.
The escalation disrupted air travel, heightened military activity, and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route carrying roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments.
The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) said in a statement it was ready to support international shipping lines by offering transshipment services to regional ports, helping ensure the “continuity and stability” of global maritime trade.
“Karachi Port Trust remains fully prepared to support the international maritime community and to provide reliable, efficient, and secure port services in the interest of sustaining regional trade connectivity,” KPT Chairman Shahid Ahmed said, according to a statement circulated by the port authority.
It added the facility could help stabilize maritime trade by offering transshipment services for cargo destined for ports across the region.
The statement said as a demonstration of its capability, international vessels MV TS TACOMA and MV TS SYDNEY arrived in Karachi and discharged large number of containers as transshipment cargo.
“The containers will subsequently be transshipped from Karachi to Jebel Ali in the Middle East,” it continued.
Pakistan Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Thursday highlighted the importance of the Gwadar port city’s transshipment role as major shipping routes face disruption from the ongoing conflict.
The developments come as the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway between Iran and Oman and one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, has been blocked by Iran which has threatened to attack ships that attempt to transit through it.
US President Donald Trump has assured shipping companies of naval escorts and insurance support to protect vessels.
The escalating tensions have contributed to a sharp rise in energy prices and significant disruptions to tanker traffic through the strategic waterway.
Pakistan has long viewed its seaports as strategic assets that could boost trade with Central Asia and the Gulf region, while helping the country earn valuable foreign exchange.
