PSL 12 Set for March 18; Auction on January 23

News Desk

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced key decisions for the 12th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), including a player auction on January 23, direct signings of marquee players and plans to expand matches to five or six cities across the country.

The decisions were taken during a meeting of the PSL Governing Council chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. According to the announced schedule, PSL 12 will be held from March 18 to May 2.

Under the revised team-formation process, each franchise will be allowed to directly sign one marquee player between October 23 and November 23. However, this facility will be available only for players who have not featured in the PSL during the previous two seasons.

The player auction scheduled for January 23 will provide franchises with a further opportunity to build their squads ahead of the tournament.

PSL matches to expand to more cities

Expanding the league’s reach was another key decision discussed at the meeting. PCB officials said matches would be staged in five to six cities, allowing more fans across Pakistan to watch the tournament in their home regions.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the PSL remained a premier platform for cricket in Pakistan and emphasised the importance of maintaining the momentum generated by strong fan attendance during the previous season.

He said efforts would be made to extend the league to additional cities and broaden its reach among cricket fans nationwide.

PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer said the process of squad formation was already underway. He noted that direct marquee-player signings and the January auction would provide franchises with important opportunities to assemble competitive teams.

National T20 Cup planned

The governing council also decided to organise a cricket workshop next week. In addition, the Gold and Silver category competitions of the National T20 Cup will be held before the start of PSL 12.

The announced measures are aimed at giving franchises more flexibility in squad building, expanding the tournament’s geographical reach and increasing opportunities for fans to engage with Pakistan’s premier T20 league.