PSL 11 playoffs to be played with crowd after PM Shehbaz's approval

KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved public attendance for all three playoff matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, confirmed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday.

The development was shared by the PCB chairman following a meeting with the premier, where the board secured permission to allow fans back into stadiums for the knockout stage of the tournament.

The playoffs are set to begin with Qualifier 1 between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.

Naqvi, however, highlighted that the approval comes with a key condition, as part of ongoing national austerity measures. Fans attending the matches have been strongly encouraged to use public transport or minimise fuel consumption.

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“Just had a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and I’m pleased to share that we have secured his approval for public attendance in all three PSL playoff matches as well,” Naqvi wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“However, this comes with an important condition from his side that fans are strongly encouraged to use public transport or [minimise] fuel consumption while attending the matches, in line with the ongoing national austerity efforts.”

The PSL 11 had previously been staged without spectators due to government-imposed restrictions aimed at conserving resources amid a broader fuel crisis. The latest decision marks a further relaxation, following earlier approval for limited crowd presence in the final.

The PCB chief also conveyed that the prime minister extended his best wishes to all four teams involved in the playoffs, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Multan Sultans and Hyderabad Kingsmen, expressing hope for an exciting conclusion to the tournament.

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