Sports

PCB Sets March–May Window for 12th HBL Pakistan Super League

By Dawn Sport

The Pakistan Cricket Board announced that the 12th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League will run from March 18 to May 2 next year. The dates were confirmed after a meeting of the PSL governing council in London on September 1, where owners and representatives of the eight franchises discussed the schedule. The board said that details of venues and ticketing will be released later, and that the next phase of squad building will include direct signings, player retentions, a trade window and a player auction.

PSL 12 follows the expanded 2026 season, which saw the league expand to eight teams for the first time with the addition of Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz. That season also marked the switch from a draft system to a player auction, in which 103 players were sold to the eight franchises in February. Players retained or acquired at that auction will be on two‑year contracts covering the 11th and 12th editions, and franchises may retain up to seven players for the next season.

The 2026 season concluded with Peshawar Zalmi winning their second PSL title after defeating debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets in the final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on May 3.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the previous edition set a high benchmark for the league, noting that “HBL PSL 11 showed the world what this league is capable of – thrilling moments that had the whole nation transfixed, record crowds, record broadcasts.” He added that “HBL PSL 12 will raise the bar further” and that the board is committed to delivering another outstanding season.

PSL chief executive Salman Naseer said the announcement marks the start of preparations for the next season, adding that direct signings, retentions, the trade window and the auction will each bring excitement in the months ahead.

The eight franchises—Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz—will now begin preparing for the new season as the PCB finalises the schedule and squad‑building process. Further details on venues, the auction and ticketing arrangements will be announced by the PCB in due course.