KARACHI (Dunya News) - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has prepared the preliminary schedule for the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The season is set to kick off on March 26 with a proposed opening match between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and the new franchise Hyderabad Kingsmen. A meeting with representatives of all franchises was held to discuss the schedule, and it will be finalized after considering their suggestions.
With the addition of two new teams, PSL 11 will feature practice sessions from March 22 to 25. Traditionally, the first match involves the defending champion team. According to sources, Lahore Qalandars will face Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on the opening day. Matches will be played across Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar.
The PCB has also confirmed matches in Peshawar. Peshawar Zalmi will play their first match under floodlights on March 28 against Islamabad United. The Qualifier 1 is scheduled for May 2 in Rawalpindi, while Eliminator 1 will take place the next day at Gaddafi Stadium. Eliminator 2 is set for May 5 at the same venue, with the final expected on May 10, most likely at Gaddafi Stadium.
PSL 11 will feature Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, along with new teams Pindees, Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen, and Sialkot Stallions.
The PCB has not renewed the Multan Sultans franchise, which has now been renamed Pindees by its new owners. Meanwhile, the Sialkot Stallions’ ownership is facing financial difficulties, and a potential new company is considering acquiring majority shares under the name Multan. The situation is expected to be resolved in the coming days.