SPORTS

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the schedule for the highly anticipated 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), set to begin on April 11, 2024. Defending champions Islamabad United will take on Lahore Qalandars, the winners of the 7th and 8th editions, in the tournament opener at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
This milestone season will feature 34 thrilling matches across four major cities—Lahore, Karachi, Multan, and Rawalpindi—from April 11 to May 18. The grand final is set to take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will host a total of 13 matches, including the two eliminators.
Expanded Reach and Star Power
For the first time, PSL will feature an exhibition match in Peshawar on April 8, marking a major step towards bringing top-tier cricket to new audiences. PSL CEO Salman Naseer expressed excitement over the growth of the league, stating:
“Over the past decade, the HBL PSL has grown into a globally recognized tournament, showcasing the best of Pakistan’s cricketing talent. Fans can expect high-profile international cricketers and top-quality matches across four cities.”
Venues and Fixtures Overview
- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including the Qualifier on May 13.
- Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore will stage the final on May 18 along with two eliminators.
- Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five matches.
- The tournament will feature three double-headers, scheduled on weekends and Labour Day (May 1).
Big Names and Big Salaries
The PSL 10 draft, held on January 13 in Lahore, saw some major signings. New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell was the first pick, signed by Lahore Qalandars. Several overseas stars, including David Warner, Kane Williamson, Finn Allen, and Matthew Short, joined PSL franchises after going unsold in the IPL auction.
The PCB also announced a $100,000 bonus for six high-profile foreign players participating in the tournament, in addition to the $200,000 maximum base salary set for overseas players.
PSL and IPL Clash for the First Time
In a historic first, PSL 10 will run parallel to the Indian Premier League (IPL), which starts on March 21 and runs until late May. The overlapping schedules may impact player availability but will also provide cricket fans with non-stop T20 action.
With six teams battling for the coveted title, PSL 10 promises to be an electrifying tournament, featuring world-class talent and intense rivalries. Cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan and around the world are eagerly counting down the days until the first ball is bowled on April 11!