PCB announces dates for HBL PSL 12
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the dates for the 12th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League, with the tournament scheduled to take place from March 18 to May 2, 2027.
The dates were finalised after discussions with the owners and representatives of all eight PSL franchises during a governing council meeting held in London on September 1.
The PCB said the complete schedule, match venues and ticketing details will be announced at a later stage.
Preparations for the new season will also include several squad-building activities, including direct player signings, retentions, trades and the player auction.
PSL 12 will follow an expanded 2026 season, which featured eight teams for the first time after the addition of Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz.
The 2026 season also marked a major change in the league’s recruitment process, as the PCB replaced the traditional player draft with an auction system.
The first PSL auction took place in February, with 103 players picked by the eight franchises. Players retained or selected during the auction were given two-year contracts covering the 11th and 12th editions.
Each franchise was also allowed to retain up to seven players for the following season.
Peshawar Zalmi won the 2026 PSL title after defeating first-time finalists Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets in the final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on May 3.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the previous season had raised expectations around the league and expressed confidence that the next edition would build on that success.
He highlighted the strong response from fans, large crowds and broadcast viewership during PSL 11 while looking ahead to another competitive season.
PSL chief executive Salman Naseer said the announcement of the tournament window marked the beginning of preparations for the 2027 campaign.
He said the upcoming direct signings, player retentions, trade window and auction would provide further excitement for fans in the months ahead.
The eight teams competing in PSL 12 will be Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz.
The PCB is expected to announce further information about the venues, detailed fixtures, auction and ticket sales in due course.
