PSL 2026 final to have crowd in stadium as Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan PM make shock U-turn

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to allow the fans to watch the final of the Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL 2026) at the stadium. All matches of this season have been played in empty stadiums, as Pakistan is currently facing a serious fuel crisis due to the Iran-USA war.

The Pakistan Super League has become bigger with eight teams this year, with Hyderabad Kingsmen and the rebranded Rawalpindi team making their debut. But at the same time, for a big shock to the fans and the franchise owners, matches have been limited to only two venues—Karachi and Lahore.

Fuel crisis hits PSL 2026 hard

And the PSL 2026 has been played without the fans, as the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi clarified that these decisions were taken after discussions with the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Naqvi, who is also the Interior Minister of Pakistan, said that the country is facing a fuel shortage, and people have been asked to cut down on travel as much as possible.

Read Also: IPL to be played in USA: Knight Riders’ home ground selected as venue

Because of this situation, the PCB felt it would not be right to allow big crowds every day. If thousands of fans travel to stadiums regularly, it would only add more pressure on fuel use.

But all PSL teams have recently asked to allow fans back, at least for the playoffs and the final.

PCB opens gates for PSL 2026 Final despite fuel crisis

However, their request for the PSL 2026 playoffs was denied, but the final will see the crowd in attendance in Lahore. Actually, Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that fans will be allowed to attend the PSL 2026 on May 3 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

According to Pakistani media, the PCB chairman made this call after getting the approval from the prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif. Even though Pakistan is still dealing with a fuel crisis, the final has been given special permission following the requests from the PSL owners and cricket officials.

🚨 CROWD ALLOWED FOR PSL FINAL 🚨

- PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirms, fans will be allowed to attend the PSL 2026 final. pic.twitter.com/UTgM6P91cy

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) April 25, 2026

Mohsin Naqvi says PM Shehbaz Sharif has approved fan attendance for the PSL 11 final, despite ongoing austerity measures, following requests from franchise owners. pic.twitter.com/45O1obFNjX

— Mahtab Abbasi (@MahtabAbbasi11) April 25, 2026

PCB takes action against Mohammad Amir and Faheem Ashraf over ugly clash

Meanwhile, Mohammad Amir and Faheem Ashraf almost hit each other during the clash between Rawalpindi and Islamabad United. It all started when Amir bowled a slower bouncer. Faheem tried to play a fancy ramp shot but got it wrong and was dismissed.

Read Also: Michael Vaughan trolls Virat Kohli after RCB vs GT clash, drags Joe Root into spotlight

Amir celebrated with a lot of aggression, and Faheem didn’t like it at all. He immediately turned back, walked towards Amir, and showed his anger. He even pointed his bat while saying a few words. Amir also reacted, and both players were face to face. However, their teammates stepped in before things could go worse, and the duo was pulled away.

Now, the PCB punished both players. Amir and Faheem were fined 10 percent of their match fees for breaking the code of conduct. The match referee, Sir Richard Richardson, confirmed the penalty, and they accepted this mistake.

The PCB statement revealed that Amir was guilty of breaching Article 2.5 of the PSL Code of Conduct, which relates to “using language, actions, or gestures that disparage or that could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during a match.” On the other hand, Ashraf breached Article 2.21. which refers to “bringing the game into disrepute.”