Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has addressed the ongoing player withdrawals from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. In response to these sudden overseas departures, Naqvi expressed complete indifference, claiming that the PSL continues to attract new talent and has enough replacements.
Several high-profile international cricketers have abruptly abandoned their contractual commitments in Pakistan to secure lucrative franchise deals in the upcoming Indian Premier League season, severely impacting multiple squads.
It all started when Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani left Islamabad United to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the IPL 2026. The PCB has now threatened legal action against players who have withdrawn from the league.
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We Will Take Legal Action Against Players – Mohsin Naqvi
During a recent press conference, Mohsin Naqvi shared his stance on player withdrawals. The PCB chief claimed that the Pakistan Super League continues to attract fresh international replacements despite these ongoing challenges.
“2-3 have left & we are taking legal action on that. If you look at last year and this time, you’ll see how many Category A players we have attracted, players who never used to come before are now coming as well,” Naqvi stated.
“For us, it doesn’t make sense to clash with the IPL because there is a strong pool of good players. Even if some players are leaving, a large number are also coming to us.”
PSL 2026 To Be Held in Karachi and Lahore Without Spectators
Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed that PSL 2026 will be held only in Karachi and Lahore, with initial matches set to take place without spectators. The decision comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and an emerging oil crisis, which have forced the board to rethink its original plans.
The tournament was initially scheduled across six cities, including Multan, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, but the PCB has reduced the venues to streamline logistics and ensure security.
Naqvi stated that the league will still begin on March 26 as planned, adding that matches will be played behind closed doors initially, with further decisions depending on the global situation.
“After consultations with the Prime Minister and security agencies, we have decided that the PSL will begin on March 26 as planned,” Naqvi stated.
“Initially, matches will be held without crowds, and this will continue depending on the global situation.”
Blessing Muzarabani’s IPL Move Triggers PSL Concerns Amid Player Exodus
Blessing Muzarabani’s move to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has become the biggest talking point, as the Zimbabwe pacer left Islamabad United despite being signed for PSL 2026. He joined KKR as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman.
Muzarabani is not the only player to prioritise the IPL window. Gudakesh Motie is expected to join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), while Dasun Shanaka is also likely to switch to Rajasthan Royals (RR) as a replacement player.
These sudden withdrawals have left PSL franchises scrambling for replacements just days before the March 26 opener. The overlap with IPL 2026 has intensified the situation and significantly impacted team combinations.
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