Islamabad

Spectators will be permitted to attend the final of the Pakistan Super League after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a request from franchise owners, according to a senior Pakistan Cricket Board official on Saturday.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on social media that Sharif had approved the presence of fans for the May 3 final in Lahore.

Pakistan’s biggest annual sporting event began behind closed doors late last month, with spectators barred because of sharply rising fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict.

The government had urged citizens to limit travel and work from home to conserve fuel. Naqvi had earlier said it would be inappropriate to host crowds of 30,000 daily while people were being asked to stay indoors.

As part of austerity measures, the PCB also reduced the number of tournament venues from six to two and continued matches only in Lahore and Karachi, though spectators were initially not allowed.

Naqvi said the prime minister was supportive of reopening the stadium for fans but also stressed that austerity measures remain in force and fuel-saving efforts continue nationwide.

Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi led by Babar Azam, Multan Sultans and three-time champions Islamabad United have already secured playoff spots.

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Defending champions Lahore Qalandars, Hyderabad Kingmen and Karachi Kings remain in contention for the final playoff berth.