ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday opened the direct signings window for all eight HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises and announced the pre-season roadmap for the 12th edition of the tournament, scheduled to be held from March 18 to May 2 next year.
The player-movement cycle has started with immediate effect, while the Player Auction will take place on Jan 23 next year.
According to the PCB, HBL PSL 12 will comprise 44 matches, including 40 league fixtures and four playoffs, spread over 46 days. For the first time in the league’s history, matches will be staged across five to six venues.
Under the direct signings rules, each franchise will be permitted to sign one marquee player who did not feature in either HBL PSL 10 or HBL PSL 11. The direct signings window will remain open until Nov 23.
A workshop with the franchises will be held next week to finalise retention deadlines, the pre-auction trade window, auction regulations and playing conditions.
In a major step for domestic cricket, the PCB has formally aligned the National T20 Gold and National T20 Silver tournaments with the PSL pre-season calendar.
The two competitions will now serve as the main talent-identification pathway, offering outstanding domestic performers a clearer route into the franchise league and possible selection for the national team.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi described the upcoming season as the league’s most ambitious edition yet.
“HBL PSL is Pakistan cricket’s biggest stage, and Season 12 will be its most ambitious yet. HBL PSL 11 ended before a record crowd, and we are building on that momentum by taking the league to more cities than ever before,” he said in a statement.
“The roadmap we have finalised and are partially announcing today gives every stakeholder, from franchises and players to commercial partners and broadcasters, the certainty to plan at the highest level. With the foundations now in place, we are looking forward to an exciting season.”
HBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer also underlined the league’s expanded geographical reach, saying the move to multiple venues would bring the competition closer to fans across the country.
“For the first time, HBL PSL will go to five to six venues, bringing the league closer to fans across Pakistan and giving more cities the chance to host the best of T20 cricket,” he said.
“From today, the race to build the best squad for HBL PSL 12 is on. Every Direct Signing, every trade, every retention decision over the coming weeks will shape the teams that take the field in March. We look forward to a season that takes this league further than it has ever gone.”
The announcement follows the landmark 2026 season, when the PSL expanded to eight teams with the inclusion of Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz. Peshawar Zalmi won their second title after defeating debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen in the final at Gaddafi Stadium, which drew a record crowd of 32,461.
That season was also affected by regional tensions and fuel shortages, forcing organisers to stage most of the matches in Lahore and Karachi.
Further details about the venues, complete schedule and commercial arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as franchises begin assembling their squads for the tournament.
The PCB hopes the next edition will provide a wider and more accessible experience for fans of Pakistan’s premier T20 competition.
