HBL PSL 11: PM Shehbaz approves spectators' attendance for final
Pakistani spectators cheer during the final PSL at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore. PHOTO: REUTERS
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday took a major decision to allow cricket fans to attend the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the stadium.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi wrote in a post on X, " 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, "the post further added.
Dear cricket fans, I requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow spectators in the stadiums. While he was also inclined to permit fans, he emphasized that austerity measures are currently in place across Pakistan, with efforts underway to minimize fuel consumption.
However,… pic.twitter.com/jgp96vRiReThe PSL 11 final is scheduled to be played in Lahore on May 3. Authorities are expected to announce ticketing details and security protocols shortly to facilitate the influx of fans.
Read: PSL to commence without spectators, matches limited to Karachi, Lahore
Last month, Naqvi announced that the PSL would be held without spectators amid government austerity measures due to the ongoing regional situation. 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.