PNN: The Pakistan Cricket Board has drawn up an initial timetable for the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League, with the tournament expected to begin on March 26. The curtain-raiser is likely to feature reigning champions Lahore Qalandars taking on debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
PCB officials recently met franchise representatives to review the proposed fixtures. The schedule will be finalized after incorporating feedback from team owners. Practice sessions for all eight sides are planned from March 22 to 25 ahead of the tournament’s opening clash.
Matches in PSL 11 will be staged in Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. Peshawar is set to host fixtures this season as well, with Peshawar Zalmi scheduled to play their first match under lights on March 28 against Islamabad United.
The playoff phase will begin with Qualifier 1 on May 2 in Rawalpindi. Eliminator 1 will follow on May 3 at Gaddafi Stadium, while Eliminator 2 is slated for May 5 at the same venue. The final is expected to take place on May 10, most probably in Lahore.
This season will feature eight teams: Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, and the newly introduced Pindees, Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen, and Sialkot Stallions.
In a major development, the PCB has not renewed the Multan Sultans franchise, which has been rebranded as Pindees under new ownership. Meanwhile, the Sialkot Stallions’ ownership group is facing financial challenges, and negotiations are underway for a new company to acquire a majority stake, potentially operating under the name Multan. A final decision is expected soon.