The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to allow fans to watch the final of the Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL 2026) in the stadiums. All the matches this season have been played in empty stadiums, as Pakistan is currently facing a severe fuel crisis due to the Iran-US war.
The Pakistan Super League has grown to eight teams this year, with the debut of Hyderabad Kingsmen and a rebranded Rawalpindi team. But at the same time, a big shock for the fans and franchise owners is that the matches have been restricted to only two venues – Karachi and Lahore.
Fuel crisis badly affects PSL 2026
And PSL 2026 has been played without fans, as PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi clarified that these decisions were taken after discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister, said the country is facing fuel shortage, and people have been asked to cut down on traveling as much as possible.
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Due to this situation, the PCB felt that it would not be right to allow large crowds every day. If thousands of fans regularly travel to stadiums, this will put greater pressure on fuel use.
But all PSL teams have recently asked to allow fans back at least for the playoffs and finals.
PCB opens doors for PSL 2026 final despite fuel crisis
Although their request for the PSL 2026 playoffs was rejected, the final will be attended by a large number of people in Lahore. Indeed, Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that fans will be allowed to attend PSL 2026 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on May 3.
According to Pakistani media, the PCB Chairman made this call after getting approval from Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Although Pakistan is still battling a fuel crisis, the final has been granted special permission following requests from PSL owners and cricket authorities.
🚨 Crowd permission for PSL final 🚨
– PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed, fans will be allowed to attend the PSL 2026 final. pic.twitter.com/UTgM6P91cy
– Sherry. (@CallMeSheri1_) 25 April 2026
Mohsin Naqvi says that after the request of the franchise owners, despite the ongoing austerity measures, PM Shehbaz Sharif has approved the presence of fans for the PSL 11 final. pic.twitter.com/45O1obFNjX
— Mahtab Abbasi (@MahtabAbbasi11) 25 April 2026
PCB takes action against Mohammad Aamir and Faheem Ashraf over clash
Meanwhile, Mohammad Aamir and Faheem Ashraf almost collided with each other during the clash between Rawalpindi and Islamabad United. It all started when Amir bowled a slow bouncer. Faheem tried to play a fancy ramp shot but he went wrong and was out.
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Aamir celebrated very aggressively and Faheem did not like it at all. He immediately turned back, moved towards Aamir and showed his anger. He also brandished his bat while saying a few words. Aamir also reacted and both the players were face to face. However, before the situation could worsen, their companions came forward and both were pulled out.
Now PCB has punished both the players. Aamir and Faheem were fined 10 percent of their match fees for breaking the code of conduct. Match referee Sir Richard Richardson confirmed the penalty and admitted the mistake.
The PCB statement revealed that Amir was guilty of breaching Article 2.5 of the PSL Code of Conduct, which deals with “using language, actions or gestures which are likely to provoke an abusive or aggressive reaction from a batsman when he is out during a match.” On the other hand, Ashraf violated Article 2.21. Which means “bringing the game into disrepute”.
