Spectators Approved for PSL Final at Gaddafi Stadium

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Saturday that spectators will be permitted to attend the Pakistan Super League final on May 3 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, following approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The decision marks the first time fans can enter a match this season, ending a month-long stretch of empty stadiums amid the country's energy crisis.

The PSL 11 tournament, which began late last month, has been played without crowds as part of government-mandated austerity measures to conserve fuel. These restrictions stem from supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, caused by regional conflict involving Iran, which has driven up fuel prices and limited shipping of about one-fifth of the world's oil. Pakistan's government has urged citizens to reduce travel and work from home to ease the strain on resources. In response, the PCB scaled back the event from six planned venues to just Karachi and Lahore, and barred public attendance to align with the conservation efforts.

Naqvi, who also serves as interior minister, said he requested the prime minister's permission to allow fans for the final after franchise owners pressed for the change. "I...