Interior Minister Moshin Naqvi meets Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo:
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has granted permission to spectators to attend the 11 playoff matches of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL).
In a post on
However, he said this came with an important condition from the Prime Minister: fans were strongly encouraged to use public transport or minimize fuel consumption while attending matches, in line with the government’s austerity measures.
I have just met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and I am happy to inform you that we have also obtained his approval for public attendance at the three PSL playoff matches.
However, this comes with one important condition on your part: fans are strongly encouraged to… pic.twitter.com/SXtyhrIBpF
—Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) April 27, 2026
Naqvi added that Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes to the four teams participating in the playoffs. “We are looking forward to some exciting and entertaining cricket,” he said.
The decision came two days after chief minister Shehbaz allowed spectators to attend the HBL PSL 11 final at the stadium, at the request of franchise owners.
Read: PSL to start without spectators, matches limited to Karachi and Lahore
Last month, Naqvi announced that the PSL would be held without spectators amid government austerity measures due to the ongoing regional situation that has affected fuel supplies. Additionally, it restricted matches to Lahore and Karachi to minimize movement in view of the energy crisis. The PCB chief also canceled the opening ceremony.
Since then, both the federal and provincial governments have introduced a series of austerity measures, including an extra weekly holiday, cuts to free gas allowances for ministers, limits on protocol vehicles and proposals for subsidized fuel for students.
