Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that fans will be allowed to attend the Pakistan Super League final at Gaddafi Stadium after receiving approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Naqvi revealed that he had personally requested Sharif to permit spectators for the marquee clash, adding that the Prime Minister “graciously” approved the proposal.
This will be the only match in the PSL 2026 season to feature fans, with the rest of the tournament conducted behind closed doors due to fuel-saving measures amid an ongoing energy crisis triggered by supply disruptions linked to the Middle East situation.
“I requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow spectators in the stadiums. While he was also inclined to permit fans, he emphasised that austerity measures are currently in place across Pakistan, with efforts underway to minimise fuel consumption,” Naqvi said.
The PCB had earlier announced on March 22 that the tournament would be staged without crowds and reduced to just two venues—Lahore and Karachi—instead of the originally planned six. At the time, Naqvi had hinted at the possibility of allowing fans during the latter stages, depending on improvements in the regional situation.
However, with little change over the following weeks, matches continued with only limited attendance comprising special guests and sponsors. As the tournament progressed, franchise owners increased pressure on the board to reopen stadiums to the public.
The board is yet to release details regarding ticket sales for the final, scheduled to take place in Lahore on Sunday, May 3.
Pakistan’s government had earlier urged citizens to limit travel and work from home due to rising fuel costs, with Naqvi acknowledging that it would have been inappropriate to host full-capacity crowds throughout the tournament while such restrictions were in place.
