Sports Bulletin

Islamabad (Sports News): Lahore: Lahore Qalandars confirms that Australian all‑rounder Daniel Sams will join the squad as the replacement for Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka for the full season.Shanaka, who was acquired by Lahore Qalandars at the PSL auction, has pulled out ahead of the PSL due to personal reasons and confirmed his unavailability.In response, Lahore Qalandars acted swiftly to secure Sams, a proven T20 match-winner, ensuring the team remains strong and competitive ahead of the season. Known for his dynamic T20 game, Sams boasts a career batting strike rate of over 150 and has taken 262 wickets in 216 T20 matches at an average of 24.70, reflecting his skill in controlling the action with his left‑arm seam.Sameen Rana, Owner, Lahore Qalandars: “We are thrilled to welcome Daniel Sams to the Lahore Qalandars family. His all-round skills, match-winning ability, and dynamic T20 experience will add tremendous firepower to our lineup this season. He is a proven game-changer who can perform with both bat and ball, bringing energy and skill to the team on and off the field.”

Sports NewsLAHORE: The HBL Pakistan Super League Trophy ‘Infinity’ made a memorable trip across the country visiting a number of scenic destinations and it reached Lahore on Thursday. The artfully designed trophy by Hanif Jewelers is a product of the hard work of 18 master artisans and was completed in 2,600 hours.The trophy, which will be pursued by eight teams from 26 March onwards, was unveiled on Wednesday, 11 March at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi in presence of PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer, franchise and title sponsor HBL representatives.After undertaking its journey from Quaid’s mausoleum, the Infinity was taken to Empress Market, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Mereweather Tower, Lyari and Sea view in Karachi followed by Makli Necropolis, Shah Jahan Mosque and Hyderabad Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. It then made the next stop in Islamabad, where it was taken to the historic Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument and the shared home turf of Islamabad United and Rawalpindiz, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.The scenic beauty and stunning views of Pakistan’s northern areas were captured during Infinity’s tour to Skardu where fans witnessed it at the Khaplu Fort, Katpana Desert, Upper Kachura Lake, Keris Suspension Bridge and Ghawari.The trophy made a stop at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium and the vintage Sethi Mohalla in Peshawar before being driven back to Lahore, where the HBL PSL 11 action is set to begin in a week’s time. In Lahore, it was taken to the iconic Lahore fort, Minar-e-Pakistan and Badshahi Mosque.The Infinity is also set to make trips to Quetta and Multan during the tournament capturing imaginations of the HBL PSL fans in those destinations. It will also make trips to all HBL PSL venues on various match days.It is worth noting that the specially crafted Infinity trophy has eight emerald-cut Gemstones at its base representing the colours of all HBL PSL franchises. A Crescent and Star at the top of the trophy add more to its sublime beauty, while it is adorned with 1,600 Gemstones, depicting masterful craftmanship and creativity by Hanif Jewelers.

Lahore (PR): Pepsi has joined the HBL Pakistan Super League as the Official Beverage and Entertainment partner for 11th, 12th and 13th editions of the tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Monday. As Pepsi continues to be the most loved beverage of Pakistan, its partnership with one of the top T20 leagues and country’s biggest sporting extravaganza will diversify the fan’s experience at the venues.The three-year deal was inked during a ceremony held at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, which was attended by CEO PSL Salman Naseer and Senior Marketing Director PepsiCo, Hakima Mirza.In a testament to the HBL PSL’s commercial growth, the Beverage and Entertainment rights have been separated from the traditional In-Stadia brand partnership portfolio and sold as standalone entity for the upcoming three seasons.As part of the tender process, PepsiCo emerged as the winning bidder following a thorough process, which also included determination of the technical qualification of the bidders.As Entertainment partner, Pepsi will also collaborate with the HBL PSL for the official anthem of season 11.HBL PSL Chief Executive Officer, Salman Naseer:“We are delighted that Pepsi is joining us in the New Era of the HBL PSL as our official Beverage and Entertainment partner. Pepsi and cricket have been synonymous in Pakistan for a long time and now this association will again unite to not only quench the thirst of our fans for one of the best drinks but also advance on the entertainment front.“The PCB is thankful to PepsiCo for their trust and confidence in the HBL PSL for the upcoming three seasons. I’m sure this partnership will pay unprecedented dividends to the both parties involved and to our valued fans.” Senior Marketing Director PepsiCo, Hakima Mirza:“It is a matter of great pride for PepsiCo to be partnering with the HBL PSL. Our historic association with Cricket in Pakistan puts us in great stead to lead on the official Beverage and Entertainment front for one of the best T20 Leagues in the World.“The expansion of the HBL PSL and the dawn of the New Era for the league heralds an exciting time and we are honored to be one of the key contributors to its growth for the next three years. I hope the fans will also benefit a great deal from this partnership as we strive to set new standards for entertainment in the league.”

Lahore (Staff Report):The tickets for the much-anticipated HBL PSL 11 will go on sale from Tuesday, 17 March, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced today. The tickets will be available to fans online from 12pm at pcb.tcs.com.pk (infographics attached).The sale of physical tickets at TCS Express Centres will commence from Tuesday, 24 March. More details will be shared in due course.The E-Ticket option will be partially available for Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi stadiums and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The upcoming edition of HBL PSL starting from 26 March will feature 44 matches with eight teams taking part in the marquee event for the first time. For the first time, six venues – Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Peshawar’s Imran Khan Stadium, Multan Cricket Stadium, Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host matches.The final of the event will be played on 3 May at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.To encourage fans to come in large numbers, General tickets in Lahore and Karachi will be available to fans from PKR 250, while fans can purchase general stand tickets for Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium from PKR 300. General tickets in Multan and Rawalpindi will be available from PKR 400.Also, to facilitate families to witness action in Peshawar, an enclosure has been dedicated to families at the stadium for the fixture on Saturday, 28 March between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United. Fans can purchase tickets for the VIP Family Zone for PKR 2,000.Premium tickets for the afternoon match in Peshawar will be available at PKR 1,500, while fans can watch the action from the VIP enclosure at PKR 3,000. The VVIP Gallery will also be available to fans at the Imran Khan Stadium from PKR 6,000.For corporate customers, hospitality boxes will be available at the stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. Gallery tickets will be available to fans in all stadiums (infographic attached).HBL PSL CEO Salman Naseer:“The sale of tickets for the HBL PSL 11 beginning tomorrow marks an important milestone as the league enters its 11th year and ushers in a New Era of growth and innovation. Over the last decade, the HBL PSL has established itself as one of the most exciting T20 leagues in the world and we remain committed to taking the fan experience to the next level.“While finalising the ticketing strategy for this season, special emphasis was placed on accessibility for fans across the country. We wanted to ensure that supporters can easily purchase tickets through a convenient online system, while also keeping prices affordable so that families and passionate cricket followers can come to the stadiums and enjoy the action live.“For the upcoming season of HBL PSL, fans can look forward to thrilling contests, with traditional rivalries set to intensify and new rivalries beginning to take shape. Every season brings fresh stories, new heroes and unforgettable moments and we are confident that this year will be no different.”

Abdullah AsjadISLAMABAD:Defending champions Lahore Qalandars will conduct a three-day conditioning camp at the Smart Qalandars High Performance Center in Islamabad as part of preparations for the upcoming 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League.The camp will begin today and continue until March 18, with training sessions taking place after Iftar from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.All locally contracted players will participate in the camp alongside Zimbabwe captain and Lahore Qalandars overseas player Sikandar Raza. The camp will focus on conditioning and team preparation ahead of the new season.The squad will regroup with all local and overseas players in Lahore on March 23 after the Eid holidays as preparations shift toward the PSL opener against Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on March 26.

Abdullah AsjadRAWALPINDI: Pindiz have officially unveiled their coaching and management staff ahead of the upcoming season, bringing together a highly experienced group of cricketing minds to guide the franchise.Pakistan legend Inzamam-ul-Haq will serve as President and Mentor, providing strategic direction and leadership to the team. Former South Africa all-rounder Justin Kemp has been appointed Head Coach, bringing valuable international and T20 franchise experience.Former Pakistan spinner Abdur Rehman joins as Head of Competitive Strategy and Assistant Coach, while West Indies legend Courtney Walsh will lead the bowling unit as Bowling Coach.The staff also includes Shahid Aslam as Performance Coach and Rafatullah Mohmand as Fielding Coach.The experienced lineup reflects Pindiz’s ambition to build a strong, competitive setup and establish a solid foundation for success.

Lahore (PR): Lahore Qalandars have announced that Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage will replace his West Indian counterpart Gudakesh Motie, who has withdrawn from the upcoming 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Wellalage, the 23-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner, joins the Qalandars alongside Sri Lanka's T20I captain Dasun Shanaka, who was picked by LQ at the first ever PSL auction. He had a productive T20 World Cup, claiming eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.22. Wellalage is also a handy lower-order batter, capable of sticking around with the tail and hitting big shots. The Qalandars are excited to welcome him to the team and look forward to his contributions in the PSL.

Karachi (Hammad Kayani):The trophy of the HBL Pakistan Super League 11 was unveiled in a ceremony held at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi today marking the beginning of a new era for the country’s marquee T20 tournament.The unveiling ceremony was attended by HBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer, representatives of all eight teams, officials from title sponsor HBL, representatives of Hanif Jewellers and members of the media. The trophy designed and manufactured by Hanif Jewellers, has been handcrafted by 18 master artisans who devoted more than 2,600 hours to complete the masterpiece. The design reflects the journey and growth of the HBL Pakistan Super League over the past decade.At the base of the trophy, eight emerald-cut Gemstones represent the colours of the eight HBL PSL franchises, symbolising the pride of the cities they represent. The tall structure of the trophy signifies discipline, determination and teamwork required to reach the pinnacle of the competition, while the Crescent and Star at the top reflect unity, hope and national pride. The trophy is adorned with more than 1,600 Gemstones, highlighting the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its creation.Speaking at the ceremony, HBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer said:“This is a historic occasion for the HBL Pakistan Super League as we step into a new era after successfully completing 10 seasons. Over the years, the league has grown stronger with the addition of new teams, record-breaking player auctions, landmark broadcast agreements and ever-increasing support from fans across Pakistan and around the world.“We are grateful to HBL for standing with the Pakistan Super League from day one and playing a vital role in its success. I would also like to thank our franchise owners for their continued trust and commitment and Hanif Jewellers for crafting a magnificent trophy that truly reflects the prestige and ambition of this league.”The 11th edition will feature eight teams and 44 matches across six venues with the opening match set to take place between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen on Thursday, 26 March. 

Lahore (Sports Report):The 44-match HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 will take place across six venues from 26 March to 3 May, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced today. Among the six venues – Faisalabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar and Rawalpindi – Faisalabad and Peshawar will host HBL PSL matches for the first time.For the first time, eight teams will participate in the PCB’s marquee event, HBL PSL, which has successfully completed 10 years and is set to enter a new era with its 11th edition. The eight participating teams in the 39-day event are Hyderabad Kingsmen, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators and Rawalpindi Pindiz.Among the eight sides, Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindi Pindiz are the two new teams added following the HBL PSL Auction, acquired for PKR 175 crore and PKR 245 crore, respectively.As per the schedule, each team will play 10 matches, with top four sides qualifying for the playoffs comprising Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and the Final scheduled from 28 April to 3 May. The final will take place at the PCB headquarters, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday, 3 May. The final will also have a reserve day, which is Monday, 4 May.The tournament will also see 12 double-headers taking place with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting three double-headers.Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore:Gaddafi Stadium will host 15 matches in total which include the opening match on 26 March between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen. The venue hosted the first HBL PSL match on Pakistan soil (final) in 2017 and also staged the finals of the 2022, 2023 and 2025 editions.Lahore Qalandars – winners of the 2022, 2023 and 2025 editions will play at least five matches at Gaddafi Stadium with the much-anticipated clash between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings scheduled for 29 March. The venue will also host three double-headers on 29 March, 19 April and 25 April.Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar:The venue, previously known as Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium last hosted an international match (ODI) 20 years ago between Pakistan and India on 6 February 2006. The stadium will host its first-ever HBL PSL match on 28 March between Peshawar Zalmi and Rawalpindi Pindiz, which will be an afternoon fixture.The stadium is currently hosting matches of the National T20 Cup.Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad:Faisalabad will host seven HBL PSL matches in the upcoming edition, marking the first time the city will stage HBL PSL fixtures. Defending champions Lahore Qalandars will play four matches at the venue, while Peshawar Zalmi, winners of the 2017 edition, will feature in three matches.The first match at the venue will be played between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United on Thursday, 9 April as an afternoon fixture.Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan:Multan will host four evening matches, all featuring home side Multan Sultans. The first fixture at the venue will be played on Wednesday, 1 April, between Multan Sultans (2021 winners) and Hyderabad Kingsmen.National Bank Stadium, Karachi:National Bank Stadium, formerly known as National Stadium Karachi hosted the HBL PSL finals in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2024. The venue will host six matches in the upcoming edition.Karachi Kings (2020 winners) and Hyderabad Kingsmen will play three matches each at the venue, while Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United will feature in two matches each. The first match at the venue will be played between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Peshawar Zalmi on Wednesday, 8 April.A new rivalry between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Karachi Kings will also take place at the venue on Saturday, 11 April.Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi:Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including one Qualifier, in the upcoming edition. The venue which hosted ICC Champions Trophy fixtures last year, will also stage two double-headers on 2 April and 26 April.With the inclusion of two new teams, Islamabad United and Rawalpindi Pindiz will serve as home sides at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The venue will host six matches of Islamabad United and five matches of Rawalpindi Pindiz.Both sides will face each other at least twice in the group stage, with the first match scheduled for 4 April and the second on 23 April.

Lahore (Staff Report):The HBL Pakistan Super League has announced that nominations for the 11th edition of HBL PSL Hamaray Heroes are now open. Fans from across the country can submit their nominations through an online form (available here) until 3pm on Tuesday, 24 March 2026.Hamaray Heroes, an initiative of the HBL PSL, was first introduced in the fifth edition of the HBL PSL in 2020 and has since become a huge success in a short span of time. The initiative will return for the sixth consecutive year, with the 11th edition set to be bigger and better than previous editions as eight teams feature in the league for the first time.The 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League will commence on 26 March, with defending champions Lahore Qalandars taking on Hyderabad Kingsmen in the opening match at Gaddafi Stadium.Through the Hamaray Heroes initiative, the Pakistan Cricket Board recognises and celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society and have played a role in enhancing the positive image of Pakistan.Some of the notable personalities who were recognised during HBL PSL Hamaray Heroes initiative include, Late Ali Sadpara (Record-breaking mountaineer), Arshad Nadeem (Gold medal in Paris Olympics in javelin), Arslan Ash (Professional E-Sports player), Inam Butt (Wrestler and Gold medalist in CW Games), Kiran Khan (Olympic swimmer), Mohammad Wasim (Boxer) and Dr Mariam Sultana (First Pakistani to do PhD in Astrophysics) The final list of nominees for Hamaray Heroes will be reviewed by a PCB panel tasked with shortlisting candidates who will be recognised during matches of the forthcoming HBL PSL 11.The PCB will present shortlisted candidates with cash awards during HBL PSL matches, while fans will also be able to watch short documentaries highlighting their achievements and inspiring life stories across HBL PSL digital platforms as well as during live match broadcasts.Fans can nominate personalities from various walks of life including, including but not limited to sports (other than cricket), education, healthcare, art, culture, music, social work, social entrepreneurship and technology. The initiative uses the reach and platform of the HBL PSL to acknowledge and celebrate Pakistanis who are making a meaningful difference in society.Nomination guidelines:• Individuals, groups, organisations and businesses can be nominated in multiple categories, depending on eligibility• Nominees must be citizens of Pakistan, individuals of Pakistani heritage, residents of Pakistan or organisations registered in Pakistan.• Nominees must not be employees of the PCB, employees of direct suppliers of commercial products or services to PCB, current employees or members of HBL PSL Hamaray Heroes or employees of presenting partners/sponsors of the initiative.• All submitted nominations and supporting material will remain the property of the PCB and will not be returned• The judges’ panel decision will be final and no further correspondence will be entertained• Submission of a nomination does not guarantee a place on the final shortlist or receipt of an awad