HBL PSL 11: New Teams, New Venues and Big Decisions Expected

The excitement and buzz around the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) have officially begun, with all eyes set on the league as 2026 approaches. In a major development, an auction for the inclusion of two new teams will be held on January 8 at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad. This auction will determine which two new franchises will join the league.

According to sources, Faisalabad and Hyderabad are currently the strongest contenders, with the highest chances of being selected. Overall, the cities under consideration include Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Hyderabad, from which two teams will be finalized. However, if the league decides to add more teams in the future, it is expected that the financial requirements will increase significantly.

On the venues front, the Faisalabad Cricket Stadium is also being considered for hosting PSL matches in 2026. If a Faisalabad-based team is approved and the stadium is cleared, the new franchise could benefit from having a home ground for its matches. In addition, the Peshawar Cricket Stadium is also likely to be available for hosting PSL fixtures, which would further expand the list of venues.

In terms of players and existing franchises, Multan Sultans are reportedly dealing with an internal issue, while discussions are underway about possibly dropping captain Mohammad Rizwan, with some believing that he may no longer be ideally suited for T20 cricket. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub could be traded from Peshawar Zalmi to Karachi Kings, where he may also be appointed as captain. Quetta Gladiators are also considering dropping Saud Shakeel for the upcoming season.

Another major topic of discussion is the player retention policy. Due to the possible addition of new teams, there is a strong chance that each franchise may be allowed to retain only one player. However, an alternative proposal of a 3+1 retention policy is also under consideration, and discussions between the franchises and league management are ongoing.

Overall, PSL 11 is shaping up to be a landmark season, with significant decisions expected that could have a long-term impact on team structures, venues, and the future direction of the league.

Report Sabih Salik