- NCOC allows matches with 50% stadium capacity for fully vaccinated spectators till February 15
- First leg of HBL PSL 7 held in Karachi since January 27, second leg begins in Lahore from Feb. 10
Good news for PSL fans as the government has allowed full capacity crowds for the Pakistan Super League matches to be held in Lahore from Feb. 16, according to a statement issued by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), issued on Monday.
According to details, the Pandemic response body, which oversees Pakistan’s response to the coronavirus, was held on Monday under the chair of Federal Minister for Planning and Special Initiatives Asad Umar. In the meeting it was decided to allow 100% capacity crowds to participate in PSL matches in Lahore.
50% crowds allowed till Feb. 15
“Pakistan Cricket Board has been allowed to conduct Pakistan Super League (PSL) Lahore matches with 50% stadium capacity for fully vaccinated spectators till 15th February 2022,” the NCOC said in a statement. “However, from 16 February onwards 100% stadium capacity for fully vaccinated spectators will be allowed. Children under 12 years of age (un-vaccinated) will also be allowed.”
The seventh edition of HBL PSL started with matches in Karachi on Jan. 27, and will be shifted to Lahore from Feb. 10. A total of six teams, each representing a major city of Pakistan, are participating in the event. A number of players have already been tested positive and isolated.
No RAT for inbound passengers
A Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) that was earlier mandatory for inbound passengers on arrival at Pakistan airports will be been abolished, effective Feb. 8, said the NCOC statement.
“However, RAT test will continue to be conducted for deportees from foreign countries and for non-vaccinated individuals arriving from land border terminals,” said the pandemic response body.
COVID-19 situation in Pakistan
Coronavirus cases in Pakistan are on a constant decline since last week. According to the NCOC, 38% of Pakistan’s total population and 56% of its eligible population has been vaccinated against COVID-19.