Ali Naqvi, owner of Islamabad United, has publicly contradicted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi's explanation for the closed-door matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. While the PCB attributed the absence of crowds to a 'fuel shortage,' Ali Naqvi stated that the decision was influenced by Pakistan's involvement in global diplomacy, particularly its role in the US-Iran ceasefire negotiations. He explained that prioritizing safety and security was essential, as hosting large crowds would have diverted critical resources from these diplomatic efforts. Consequently, PSL 2026 was limited to just two venues, Lahore and Karachi, with the opening ceremony at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium canceled due to the conflict. Naqvi expressed regret to fans in Peshawar who were looking forward to attending matches, assuring them that future opportunities would arise. The PSL 2026 is set to commence on March 26, maintaining its schedule to preserve the tournament's credibility.