Nadeem Khan explains why Karachi has fewer PSL 10 matches

The National Bank Stadium in Karachi, which hosted the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final last year, has been given fewer matches for the upcoming PSL 10, set to take place from April 19 to May 9.  

Last month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released the schedule for the tournament, which includes 34 matches. According to the schedule, Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium will host the most matches (13), including both Eliminators and the final. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium follows with 11 matches.  

Meanwhile, Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five games.  

The reduction in matches for Karachi led to speculations that the decision was due to low ticket sales or the unwillingness of franchises to play at the venue. However, PCB’s Director of High Performance, Nadeem Khan, clarified that the reason was a shift in home venues for some teams.  

“The main concept is basically home and away based. Quetta [Gladiators] earlier had National Stadium Karachi as their home stadium but now, this year, they shifted it to Rawalpindi,” Nadeem Khan explained.  

“Similarly, Peshawar [Zalmi] has their home matches at Rawalpindi. So this is why Karachi will host five games and Rawalpindi will host 15 games,” he added.  

The 10th edition of the PSL will start on April 11 with defending champions Islamabad United facing Lahore Qalandars at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.  

Before the tournament begins, an exhibition match is planned for April 8 in Peshawar, with the participating teams to be announced later.