PSL set to go ahead on schedule despite regional tensions; PCB share training plans

KARACHI: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to proceed as scheduled despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sharing training plans with all franchises ahead of the tournament.

According to the schedule, teams will hold practice sessions on March 24 and 25, with players arriving in Lahore by March 23 to begin final preparations. Two teams will train simultaneously during the sessions.

The tournament is slated to begin on March 26 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where defending champions Lahore Qalandars will face Hyderabad Kings in the opening match.

Despite concerns over travel disruptions caused by regional tensions, PCB officials said the event would go ahead on time.

Flight schedules have been affected, particularly through the UAE and Qatar, prompting teams to explore alternative routes.

Players from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are expected to arrive via direct flights, while those from Australia, New Zealand, and England will travel through Thailand, Singapore, and Turkish Airlines routes.

While some foreign media reports suggested Australian players were hesitant to travel, PCB officials said no overseas player has so far informed their franchise or board of unavailability.

Franchise officials also expressed confidence that all players and staff would arrive on time.

Board sources added that the March 28 fixture between Peshawar Zalmi and Rawalpindi remains scheduled, with security arrangements under review.

The PCB has previously used the UAE as a contingency venue, though current regional conditions have complicated that option.

Officials said there are currently no plans to move matches from Pakistan and expressed confidence that the tournament will be held safely, with security arrangements comparable to those provided to heads of state.

The PSL final is scheduled for May 3, with the 39-day tournament featuring 44 matches across six cities — Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Faisalabad.

The upcoming edition will also mark the first time eight teams compete in the league.