In a move set to delight cricket enthusiasts, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has granted special permission for spectators to attend the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 final, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Saturday.
The decision followed a request from the PCB chief and franchise owners. Taking to social media, Naqvi shared that while the prime minister was initially inclined to permit fans, he had remained mindful of the ongoing national austerity drive and the government’s efforts to curtail fuel consumption.
“However, on the request of franchise owners, he has graciously approved the presence of fans for the PSL 11 final,” Naqvi stated. He expressed his sincere gratitude to PM Shehbaz for the decision, noting that it would greatly facilitate fans eager to witness the tournament’s final in person.
The development comes as three playoffs spots have been sealed in the PSL tournament as Islamabad United became the latest entrant, joining Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans.
Islamabad United registered their biggest-ever win in PSL history by balls remaining as they chased the meagre 81-run target against Hyderabad Kingsmen in 6.4 overs and eight wickets in hand, which effectively sealed their ticket for the playoffs here at the National Bank Stadium on Friday night.
Earlier, Multan Sultans owner Gohar Shah requested PM Shehbaz and PCB Chief Naqvi to allow fans to witness the remaining eight games live.
“8 games left in HBL PSL 11 every game almost a knockout or meaningful game. Please, PM Shehbaz and Minister Naqvi, let’s show the world how we celebrate the sport we love. If you announce at 10am, I promise you by 11am max every ticket will sell out,” he posted on his social media account.
After Naqvi announced that the PM had allowed spectators to witness the final, Gohar thanked him.
The Qualifier between the top two teams will be played on 28th April at the National Bank Stadium. The third and fourth-placed teams will then lock horns in Eliminator-1 on 29th April in Lahore. The losing team of the Qualifier and winner of the Eliminator 1 will be pitted against each other on 1st May in Eliminator 2 in Lahore as well to decide the second finalist.
The final of the PSL-11 between the winners of the Qualifier and Eliminator 2 will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Sunday (May 3).
