Spectators will return to cricket stadiums in Pakistan for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began when the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) begins in Karachi on Saturday.
The government has allowed the Pakistan Cricket Board to admit 20 per cent capacity of fans inside the stadiums for the country's premier Twenty20 league, maintaining proper social distancing and making masks mandatory for spectators.
The decision meant National Stadium in Karachi will accommodate 7,500 fans and Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium 5,500.
"Without crowd there was no enjoyment," said Quetta Gladiators wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed. "It's the great news that we will be playing in front of our own crowds after a long time."
During the pandemic, the PCB successfully hosted two international series — against Zimbabwe and South Africa — in empty stadiums besides organising more than 200 domestic cricket matches in a bio-secure bubble.
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More than 120 players, 60 support staff and about a dozen match officials will remain in a biosecure bubble for the PSL tournament.
The PCB is confident that it is now well-versed in implementing its COVID-19 procedures, with only one local player being expelled for violating protocols during a domestic game.
"COVID-19 and cricket can co-exist, provided we follow the proper protocols," PCB chairman Ehsan Mani said.
Mani admitted that a large number of fans will be disappointed due to limited seating available both in Karachi and Lahore. However, the government will review crowd capacity at Karachi's Gaddafi Stadium before the playoffs and the final in Lahore next month.
Karachi Kings defeated archrival Lahore Qalandars in the final in November after the PSL playoffs were postponed due to COVID-19 in last March. Karachi will host the first 20 league games while Lahore will host the remaining 14 matches, including the final on March 22.
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