ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Monday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif granted permission for spectators to attend the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 playoff matches.
In a post on X, Naqvi said, “I just had a meeting with PM Shehbaz, and I’m pleased to share that we have secured his approval for public attendance at all three PSL playoff matches.”
However, he said this came with an important condition from the premier’s side that fans were strongly encouraged to use public transport or minimise fuel consumption while attending the matches in line with government austerity measures,
Naqvi added that PM Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes to the four teams participating in the playoffs. “Looking forward to some exciting and entertaining cricket ahead,” he said.
The decision came two days after PM Shehbaz allowed spectators to attend the final of HBL PSL 11 at the stadium, following a request from franchise owners.
Last month, Naqvi announced that the PSL would be held without spectators amid government austerity measures due to the ongoing regional situation that has impacted fuel supplies. He further restricted the matches to Lahore and Karachi to minimise movement in view of the energy crisis. The PCB chief also cancelled the opening ceremony.
Both federal and provincial governments have since introduced a range of austerity measures, including an additional weekly holiday, cuts in free petrol allocations for ministers, limits on protocol vehicles and proposals for subsidised fuel for students.
