PSL 11 Final to Be Played in Front of Full Crowd

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) final will be played in front of a full crowd.

The final is scheduled to be held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on May 3.

Naqvi shared the update on X, where he addressed the restrictions that had kept spectators out of matches earlier in the tournament.

He said the government had maintained austerity measures because of the economic situation and the need to reduce fuel consumption, but an exception had now been made for the final.

According to Naqvi, he had requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow fans into stadiums. He said the premier was supportive of the idea but noted that austerity measures were still in force across the country.

Naqvi added that requests from franchise owners helped push the matter forward, eventually leading to special approval for spectators to attend the final.

Before the tournament began, the PCB had announced that PSL 11 matches would be played behind closed doors as part of wider austerity measures linked to the fuel crisis and broader regional and economic pressures.

The board had also restricted the tournament to Karachi and Lahore, aiming to reduce travel, public movement, and operational costs.

The decision to keep crowds away had drawn concern from franchise owners, who argued that fan presence is a key part of the PSL experience. They had urged authorities to review the policy and allow spectators for major matches.

Naqvi also praised law enforcement agencies for helping ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament despite the challenges. He made it clear that the match schedule would remain unchanged.

He further said that franchises would receive gate revenue, while the PCB would bear the related expenses.

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