PM Shehbaz Approves Spectators for PSL 11 Final After Franchise Owners’ Request
By Sports Desk
Published April 25, 2026
In a significant development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the presence of spectators for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 final, following a request from franchise owners. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced this decision on Saturday, noting that while the prime minister had initially expressed concerns about austerity measures, he ultimately allowed fans in the stadium for the final match.
In a post on X, Naqvi shared that he had personally approached the prime minister to request permission for spectators. Despite the ongoing nationwide austerity measures aimed at minimizing fuel consumption, especially amid the regional fuel crisis tied to the US-Israel-Iran conflict, the prime minister “graciously approved” fan attendance for the PSL 11 final, Naqvi added.
This decision marks a partial relaxation of the original restrictions that were imposed at the beginning of PSL 11, where matches were to be played behind closed doors as part of the government’s efforts to conserve resources. At that time, the PCB had decided to limit the tournament to Karachi and Lahore to reduce public movement, aligning with broader austerity goals.
However, after franchise owners urged the government to reconsider the no-crowd policy, arguing that the league felt incomplete without spectators and that the presence of fans was crucial to the atmosphere of the tournament, the decision was reversed for the final. Some franchise representatives even reached out directly to Prime Minister Shehbaz and provincial chief ministers to allow crowds during the ongoing edition.
This approval for the PSL 11 final is seen as a welcome change for cricket fans, providing an opportunity to witness the exciting conclusion of the tournament in person.
