The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed dates for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) during a roadshow in New York, marking the first time the league hosted such an event in the United States (US).
As per the announced dates, the league will start on March 26 with the final scheduled for May 3.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that Faisalabad will host 11 matches this season, adding a new venue to the tournament’s roster.
“We are committed to making PSL the world’s number one cricket league,” he said.
Earlier, the New York roadshow brought together Naqvi, T20 captain Salman Ali Agha and other cricketers, namely Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood. Cricket legends Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja also attended the event.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Rizwan Saeed Sheikh also spoke at the event.
“Sports serve as a tool for diplomacy and cultural identity,” he said at the roadshow that aims to attract international investors ahead of the auction for two new PSL franchises on January 8.
Salman Ali Agha and Saud Shakeel talked about how the tournament had shaped their careers while Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf and Saim Ayub highlighted the league’s importance for cricket in Pakistan.
Former captains Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja also praised the tournament for the impact it has had. “PSL provides the best platform for young cricketers,” they noted.
It merits a mention that the event was organised by PCB following successful cricket diplomacy efforts in England.
PSL 11 will mark a major expansion for the league with the board set to add two new franchises.
The PCB has shortlisted six cities for the same, namely Hyderabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad and Sialkot.
Reports suggest that Gilgit and Faisalabad have emerged as the leading candidates for the new teams, however, the PCB has not officially confirmed it.
Auction for the two new franchises will take place on January 6.