HBL PSL 12 to return with eight teams

The Pakistan Super League will return for its 12th edition from March 18 to May 2, 2027, with all eight franchises set to compete for the title, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced Thursday.

The tournament will retain its expanded eight-team format for a second successive season after a landmark 2026 campaign that featured the league’s first player auction and produced a record crowd for the final.

Peshawar Zalmi claimed the 2026 title by defeating debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets at Gaddafi Stadium on May 3, ending a nine-year wait for the championship.

The PSL Governing Council finalised the 2027 window following consultations with franchise owners and representatives at a meeting in London on September 1.

Attention will now turn to squad building, with direct signings, player retentions, the trade window and the player auction among the key milestones ahead of the tournament.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the league would aim to build on the success of the previous season.

“HBL PSL 11 showed the world what this league is capable of — thrilling moments that had the whole nation transfixed, record crowds, record broadcasts,” Naqvi said.

“HBL PSL 12 will raise the bar further.”

PSL chief executive Salman Naseer said the league was determined to maintain the momentum generated by the expanded 2026 edition.

“Last season changed what people expect from this league and we intend to meet every one of those expectations in 2027,” Naseer said.

Further details on the schedule, venues, auction and ticketing arrangements will be announced in due course.