Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has given the green light for spectators to attend the Pakistan Super League 11 final, following a formal request from franchise owners and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Naqvi announced the development on social media, saying that he had personally approached the Prime Minister to reconsider the ban on fan attendance.

In his statement, Naqvi wrote: “Dear cricket fans, I requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow spectators in the stadiums. While he was also inclined to permit fans, he emphasized that austerity measures are currently in place across Pakistan, with efforts underway to minimize fuel consumption. However, on the request of franchise owners, he has graciously approved the presence of fans for the PSL 11 Final. I sincerely thank him for this decision and for facilitating the fans.”

Naqvi added that the PM had also stressed the importance of the ongoing austerity campaign, which was launched in response to the fuel crisis triggered by the US-Iran conflict and broader tensions in the Middle East.

PSL 11 matches in Karachi and Lahore have so far been held behind closed doors due to government restrictions linked to the fuel crisis.

Franchise owners had appealed to both the PM and chief ministers to permit crowds to return, and their request has now been granted for the final.

The mega event runs from March 26 to May 3 and for the first time features eight teams competing for the title.