Pakistan has banned spectators from attending matches in its premier domestic cricket tournament as part of sweeping austerity measures triggered by rising global energy costs linked to the Iran conflict.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL), now in its 11th edition, will begin on Thursday without fans in stadiums.

Authorities say the restriction is intended to reduce fuel consumption associated with transportation and event logistics.

The Pakistan Cricket Board described the move as a “difficult” but necessary step aligned with broader government measures, including the temporary closure of schools for two weeks.

Pakistan, a nation of more than 250 million people, relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, making it particularly vulnerable to global price shocks.

In the 2024 fiscal year, the country spent approximately 11 per cent of its GDP on fossil fuel imports.

Economists warn that rising fuel costs could accelerate inflation and increase electricity prices, both politically sensitive issues.

Afia Malik, a senior researcher at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, said that the austerity measures may offer limited relief to low-income households.

The broader impact of the crisis is likely to be seen in rising food prices.

In spite of the challenges, the expansion of solar energy, particularly rooftop systems, has helped cushion some of the economic pressure.

 (dpa/NAN)