PCB allows fans to attend PSL 2026 final on May 3 after hosting majority of tourney behind closed doors

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has obtained permission from PM Shehbaz Sharif to allow fans to attend the PSL 11 final on May 3

The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that fans will be allowed to attend the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026) final, which will take place in Lahore on May 3. This comes after the board reportedly obtained permission from Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow fans to witness the spectacle. On March 22, the PCB decided to hold the league stages of the PSL 11 behind closed doors, in the backdrop of the geopolitical tensions in West Asia and the tussle between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

PSL 11 final to be held in front of fans

Taking to social media platforms, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the country’s Interior Minister, informed that the board has been granted a green light by the Pakistan PM to allow fans to attend the final in Lahore. Reports state that Naqvi had personally requested the PM to reconsider the ban on spectators for the event and that while the latter wanted to continue the strict measures over fuel consumption, he eventually changed his mind.

“Dear cricket fans, 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. However, on the request of franchise owners, he has graciously approved the presence of fans for the PSL 11 Final. I sincerely thank him for this decision and for facilitating the fans,” PCB chairman Naqvi wrote on the social media platform X.

In March, the PCB decided that the PSL 11 – which was initially scheduled to take place in six cities – will be limited to just Lahore and Karachi. The decision came after a war between Iran and Israel, involving the USA, affected the supply of fuel to the country. Therefore, a decision was taken to not allow fans to witness the league matches of the tournament as well in order to focus on fuel conservation.

Till now, 36 out of 44 games have taken place in PSL 2026. Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultans, and Islamabad United are the three teams who have qualified for the playoffs so far. There is a three-way battle between defending champions Lahore Qalandars, Hyderabad Kingsmen and Karachi Kings for one final spot in the top four, with all three teams having 8 points each to their names.

Updated PSL 2026 points table