PSL 2026 final boost! Mohsin Naqvi makes shocking U-turn ahead of big clash

Just three days are left before the league stage of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, with three teams, Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultans, and Islamabad United already qualifying for the playoffs of the competition. Only one franchise remains to secure fourth place in the tournament. 

Hyderabad Kingsmen, Lahore Qalandars, and Karachi Kings are in line to get the qualification. The National Stadium in Karachi will host two league stage encounters, along with the first qualifier, while the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will stage the event's final.

Mohsin Naqvi reverses earlier decision ahead of PSL 2026 final

The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has given the go-ahead for spectators to be present in the PSL 2026 final after the franchise owners requested approval, as the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has expressed. 

In a post on Twitter, Naqvi reckoned that he had asked the prime minister to allow the fans in stadiums, and while the premier was inclined to permit fans, he had reflected on the austerity measures in force across the country. 

The decision to follow spectators came after many team owners publicly urged the government to reconsider the no-crowd policy, arguing that the league felt empty without the fans and the spectators’ presence was central to the atmosphere and identity of the event.

What the U-turn means for teams and tournament arrangements

Some of the franchise representatives had appealed to the PM Shehbaz as well as the provincial chief ministers to permit the crowds in the ongoing season. The PCB earlier felt it would not be right to allow the big crowds every day.

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If thousands of fans travel to the ground regularly, it would only add massive pressure on the fuel use. But due to the request of all franchises, they have decided to bring the fans back to the ground.

In terms of performance, Kusal Mendis is the leading run-getter of the event so far with 493 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 172.38, while Sufiyan Muqeem is the leading wicket-taker with 18 scalps in eight matches at an average of 12.38.

Fans react as major change adds new twist before final

Here is how the fans reacted to the major change that has added to the new twist before the final-