HBL PSL 11 Set to Begin as Captains Outline Title Ambitions

Nabeel Jamal

Lahore: The HBL Pakistan Super League 11 is set to commence on March 26, with defending champions Lahore Qalandars, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, taking on debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium.

The tournament will run until May 3, with all 44 matches split evenly between Lahore and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.

Tournament Format and Schedule

The eight-team tournament features two groups, with each side playing 10 matches. The playoffs will include a Qualifier and two Eliminators before the final.

Matches will begin at 7pm (PKT), while day fixtures in double-headers will start at 2:30pm.

New Franchises Mark ‘New Era’

This edition introduces two new teams—Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz—signalling a new phase for the league following recent franchise auctions.

For the first time, additional financial incentives have been introduced, including USD 200,000 for the franchise with the best player development programme. The winning team will receive USD 500,000, with USD 300,000 awarded to runners-up.

Captains Share Pre-Tournament Views

Lahore Qalandars – Shaheen Shah Afridi

Afridi expressed confidence in his side’s preparation, stating the team aims to defend its title with consistent performances. He also highlighted the league’s role in producing top cricketing talent in Pakistan.

Islamabad United – Shadab Khan

Shadab emphasised a balanced squad and an aggressive playing approach, noting the league’s importance in nurturing young players under pressure.

Peshawar Zalmi – Babar Azam

Babar acknowledged the absence of live crowds but vowed to deliver entertaining cricket. He added that the team has strengthened its bowling unit this season.

Rawalpindiz – Mohammad Rizwan

Rizwan credited the league’s growth to consistent efforts by the PCB and highlighted increased opportunities for emerging players in an expanded competition.

Quetta Gladiators – Saud Shakeel

Saud stressed the importance of consistency and expressed optimism about delivering strong performances for fans.

Karachi Kings – David Warner

Warner underlined squad depth and experience, adding that adaptability will be key to progressing in the tournament.

Hyderabad Kingsmen – Marnus Labuschagne

Labuschagne said leadership would focus on empowering players and encouraging them to play freely in their debut season.

Multan Sultans – Ashton Turner

Turner described the league as one of the world’s top franchise tournaments and welcomed the opportunity to play alongside emerging Pakistani talent.

Key Records and Milestones

Babar Azam remains the leading run-scorer in PSL history with 3,792 runs, followed by Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan.

Among bowlers, Hasan Ali leads with 125 wickets, with Afridi, Wahab Riaz and Shadab also crossing the 100-wicket mark.

League Legacy and Expectations

With Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars holding three titles each, the HBL PSL continues to grow as a major platform for talent development and competitive cricket.

As the tournament enters its 11th edition, the focus remains on delivering high-quality cricket while expanding its global reach under the event hashtags #HBLPSL11 and #NewEra.