Cricket - Psl
Richie Richardson to make his HBL PSL debut as match referee
Lahore (Sports News):The Pakistan Cricket Board has today announced the match officials for the HBL PSL 11, which will be played in Lahore and Karachi from 26 March to 3 May with 44 matches slated to take place.Sir Richard Richardson, member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, is set to make his HBL PSL debut as match referee. Previously Sir Richardson has officiated four Tests and three T20Is in Pakistan between 2017 and 2024 including the three-match T20I series between Pakistan and World XI at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.Four members of ICC Elite Panel of Umpires Ahsan Raza from Pakistan, Christopher Gaffaney from New Zealand, Allahudien Palekar from South Africa and Alexander Wharf from England will be joined by Sharfuddoula Saikat and Chris Brown in a strong overseas contingent of Umpires.Palekar and Saikat will be making their HBL PSL debuts. Among others Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Nasir Hussain, Zulfiqar Jan, Abdul Muqeet, Alay Haider, Imran Jawed and Tariq Rasheed will perform umpiring duties in the tournament.Roshan Mahanama, who has been a regular match referee in the HBL PSL since 2017, will return to extend his tally of 71 HBL PSL matches as head of playing control team starting with the opening match between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen.In the first match Wharf and Ahsan will be on-field umpires, while Asif Yaqoob will perform duties as TV Umpire. Tariq Rasheed will be the fourth umpire.UmpiresAhsan Raza, Chris Gaffaney, Sharfuddoula Saikat, Allahuddien Palekar, Alex Wharf, Chris Brown, Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Nasir Hussain, Zulfiqar Jan, Abdul Muqeet, Alay Haider, Imran Jawed and Tariq RasheedMatch RefereesRoshan Mahanama, Sir Richard Richardson, Ali Naqvi, Kamran Chaudhary, Bilal Khilji, Iftikhar Ahmed, Aleem Moosa, Sohail Idrees
Star-studded Commentary panel announced for HBL PSL 11
Islamabad (Sports News): Former West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite will make his HBL PSL commentary debut and former Australia women’s player Lisa Sthalekar is set to return as the Pakistan Cricket Board announced a star-studded 23-member bilingual commentary panel for the upcoming marquee evenShoaib Malik, who has featured in all the previous 10 editions of the HBL PSL as player, will be appearing as Urdu commentator in the 11th edition and he will be joined by former Pakistan captains Salman Butt and Sana Mir.Seasoned commentator Tariq Saaed, former Pakistan women’s international Marina Iqbal, Shah Faisal and Pepsi Voice of Pakistan 2022 winner Ayaz Chaudhary will form the seven-member exclusive Urdu commentary panel for the HBL PSL 11.Apart from Barbadian Brathwaite, the English commentary panel will comprise South Africa’s Jean-Paul Duminy and the melodic Michael Haysman, England’s Dominic Cork, Nick Knight and Mark Butcher, Martin Guptill from New Zealand, Greg Blewett and Lisa Sthalekar from Australia and Athar Ali Khan from Bangladesh.Among Pakistan voices in the English commentary panel, former captains Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, Aamir Sohail and Urooj Mumtaz Khan will be calling out the action along with former Pakistan international Bazid Khan.Sikandar Bakht will be part of the English commentary panel as well as the four-member presenters’ lineup. Renowned sports broadcasters Neroli Meadows and Jess Crowe are set to feature in the HBL PSL for the first time and they will join Zainab Abbas as the official presenters and hosts during the tournament.Chief Executive Officer Pakistan Super League, Salman Naseer:“We are excited to announce a star-studded and insightful commentators’ panel, which comes with years of valuable experience of calling the game behind the mic. I’m sure our fans will enjoy the commentary lineup and their calls over exciting action from home as we inch closer to the beginning of the landmark 11th edition of the HBL PSL.”Commentators:Aamir Sohail, Athar Ali Khan, Bazid Khan, Carlos Brathwaite, Dominic Cork, Greg Blewett, Jean-Paul Duminy, Lisa Sthalekar, Mark Butcher, Martin Guptill, Michael Haysman, Nick Knight, Ramiz Raja, Sikandar Bakht, Urooj Mumtaz Khan and Wasim Akram.Exclusively UrduAyaz Chaudhary, Marina Iqbal, Salman Butt, Sana Mir, Shah Faisal, Shoaib Malik and Tariq Saeed.PresentersJess Crowe, Neroli Meadows, Sikandar Bakht and Zainab Abbas
PCB announces revised schedule for HBL PSL 11
Lahore (Sports News):The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced revised schedule for 11th edition of the HBL PSL after austerity measures have been adopted in consultation with the Government of Pakistan, and in line with the officially announced national austerity and resource conservation measures. The number of host venues for HBL PSL 11 has been streamlined from six to two. All matches will now be staged in Lahore and Karachi. In the updated schedule 44 matches will be taking place in a space of 39 days with Lahore and Karachi each hosting 22 matches. The opening match between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Lahore Qalandars remains intact, while Lahore will also see Eliminator 1, 2 and the final. Qualifier will be played in Karachi.With the tournament temporarily shifting to a watch-from-home model, HBL PSL will introduce enhanced broadcast and production features aimed at delivering an even stronger viewing experience for fans across Pakistan and around the world. The league remains confident that the passion of its audience, combined with innovation in coverage, will make this edition one of the most widely watched in its history.While it is important to prioritise national stability, the crowds gracing the stadia will be sorely missed. It was estimated that with an average of 30,000 spectators and associated support staff travelling daily for over more than a month would place significant strain on energy resources. By limiting the tournament to two cities, the HBL PSL is also reducing the extensive operational arrangements including transport, and utility overheads that a six-city event demands.HBL PSL remains committed to delivering high-quality cricket while aligning with national priorities. The league will move forward with the same unity, discipline, and excellence that have made it a defining symbol of Pakistan’s sporting strength.
PSL 11: Pindi back Pakistan Cricket Board decision regarding league
Rawalpindi (Abdul Jabbar Faisal):Pindiz have expressed their full support for the HBL Pakistan Super League’s decision to stage matches exclusively in Lahore and Karachi, citing the ongoing fuel crisis and the need for austerity measures across the country.While the franchise was eagerly anticipating the opportunity to play in front of its passionate home crowd in Rawalpindi, the management acknowledged that the austerity measures being taken in consideration - current situation demands collective responsibility and unity.Speaking on the matter, Pindiz team owner, Ahsan Tahir said, “Sabse Pehle Pakistan - We were looking forward to playing in front of our home fans, to give the people of Pindi a home team to support in their own stadium. However, we fully recognize that this is the need of the hour. As a franchise, we stand firmly behind the HBL PSL and its efforts to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the tournament under these circumstances.”Pindiz reaffirmed their commitment to the league and emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interest above all. The franchise remains confident that, with collective support, this edition of the HBL PSL will continue to deliver high-quality cricket and unite fans across the country.
PSL 11: Lahore Qalandars sign Australian all‑Rounder Daniel Sams
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.”
HBL PSL ‘Infinity’ Trophy tour reaches Lahore
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.
PEPSI joins HBL PSL as Official Beverage and Entertainment partner
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.”
HBL PSL 11 tickets to go on sale online from Tuesday
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.”
Champions Qalandars to conduct a three-day training camp in Islamabad
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.
PSL 11: Pindiz Announce Coaching Staff for Upcoming Season
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.
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