HBL PSL 11 to go ahead as per schedule, confirms PCB

Despite a war-like situation in the region, the cricket festival will go ahead on time. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shared the training schedule with all HBL PSL teams, according to which players will assess their preparations on March 24 and 25.

So far, no foreign player, including Australians, has informed their franchise or board about unavailability, and officials are expecting everyone to arrive. Even the only scheduled match in Peshawar is still “on.”

According to details, the opening match of the Pakistan Super League will be held on March 26 at Gaddafi Stadium between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kings.

Currently, war in the Middle East has disrupted flight schedules, and after the T20 World Cup, teams also faced major difficulties returning home from India. Due to these circumstances, concerns were raised about possible delays in the PSL, but PCB officials say the event will take place on time.

The training schedule has been shared with all teams, and practice sessions will be held on March 24 and 25, with two teams training at a time.

According to foreign media, Australian cricketers are hesitant about traveling to Pakistan, but the PCB says no player has reported unavailability so far. Franchise officials also confirmed that all players and staff are expected to arrive on time.

Due to issues with flights from the UAE and Qatar, alternative routes are being considered. Players from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will arrive via direct flights, while those from Australia, New Zealand, and England will travel via Thailand, Singapore, and Turkish Airlines. Travel schedules have been sent to players and agents, and all players will gather in Lahore on March 23.

Meanwhile, PCB sources say the March 28 match in Peshawar between Zalmi and Rawalpindiz is still “on.” A meeting was also held to review security arrangements. In case of any issues, the PCB usually considers the UAE as a backup venue, where matches have been held in the past.

However, current conditions there are also not ideal. PCB sources said that shifting matches to another country is not under consideration at this time, and they are hopeful the event will be held in Pakistan as scheduled. As always, players will be provided security equivalent to that of a head of state.

It is worth noting that the PSL final will be held on May 3. The 39-day tournament will feature a total of 44 matches across six cities: Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Faisalabad. For the first time, eight teams will participate in the league.