The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Karachi will be held without access to the public from Friday onwards. This is part of measures to stem a possible outbreak of the novel Coronavirus.
The PCB said in its statement:
"Following advice from the Sindh Government late Thursday afternoon, the Pakistan Cricket Board, has made a decision to stage the upcoming Karachi HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 matches in front of empty National Stadium."
This decision will be enforced from Friday, the 13th of March 2020, but it will not affect commercial partners or media personnel. The PCB further clarified: “In addition, immediate families of the competing players and player support personnel as well as franchise owners will be allowed to attend the matches.” Also, the PCB has stated that the opposing teams will not have to shake hands with each other - and that alternative gestures would be acceptable.
A majority of cases that tested positive for Coronavirus are in Sindh.
#SindhGovt has decided that the remaining matches of PSL in Karachi will take place without any crowd. This decision has been made after consultation with all stakeholders including the Pakistan Cricket Board.
— SenatorMurtaza Wahab (@murtazawahab1) March 12, 2020