HBL PSL 12 to be held from March 18 to May 2, 2027

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League 12 will be held from March 18 to May 2, 2027, with all eight franchises set to return for the tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday.

The window was finalised after consultations with key stakeholders at the HBL PSL Governing Council meeting held in London on Sept. 1, attended by owners and representatives of all eight franchises.

The 12th edition will follow a landmark 2026 season in which the league expanded to eight teams and introduced a player auction in place of the draft system.

The 2026 final at Gaddafi Stadium attracted a record crowd of 32,461, while Peshawar Zalmi claimed the title by defeating debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets on May 3, ending a nine-year wait for the championship.

With the tournament window confirmed, the league will now move towards several key milestones, including direct signings, player retentions, the trade window and the player auction.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the previous season had demonstrated the league’s potential and expressed confidence that the next edition would raise the standard further.

“HBL PSL 11 showed the world what this league is capable of – thrilling moments that had the whole nation transfixed, record crowds, record broadcasts. HBL PSL 12 will raise the bar further,” Naqvi said.

“We are committed to delivering another outstanding season and look forward to seeing all eight franchises compete once again for the title.”

HBL PSL CEO Salman Naseer said the league would seek to build on the momentum generated by the 2026 season.

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

Naseer added that the announcement of the tournament window was “only the first step”, with direct signings, retentions, the trade window and auction expected to generate further excitement in the coming months.

“Eight teams, eight squads hungry to go one better and millions of fans across Pakistan and the world already counting down the days,” he said.

The PCB said full details of the schedule, venues, player auction and ticketing arrangements would be announced in due course.