*PCB announces dates for HBL PSL 12*

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the dates for the 12th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), with the tournament scheduled to be held from March 18 to May 2, 2027.

According to the PCB, eight teams will participate in HBL PSL 12, with the tournament window finalized after consultations with representatives and owners of all eight franchises.

The PCB said the complete schedule, venues and ticketing details would be announced at a later stage.

The preparations for the 12th edition will now move into the next phase, including direct player signings, retentions, the trade window and the player auction.

The eight participating franchises are Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindi Pindiz.

The PCB said the PSL Governing Council had discussed the tournament window during its meeting in London on September 1, 2026, following which the dates were finalized.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the 11th edition of the PSL had set a new benchmark for the league, adding that the 12th edition would seek to raise the standard further.

PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer said preparations for the 2027 season had already begun, with direct signings, player retentions, the trade window and auction to be completed in the coming months.

The 11th edition of the PSL was held in 2026 with eight teams, while the player auction system was introduced for the first time instead of the traditional player draft.