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Salman Naseer reveals major update on new teams, venues in PSL 11

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to expand, with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer revealing plans for additional venues and the inclusion of two new teams — marking the next phase in the tournament’s evolution.

During a PSL podcast, Salman expressed his desire to expand the league beyond the four cities — Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi — and discussed home-and-away games for the teams.

“I think from our side, as management and even all the other stakeholders, even the franchises, everyone wants our footprint to increase beyond these four cities. Yes. So that desire is there, and we are very seriously considering that this time we have to go to six venues. Okay. PSL 11, by the will of Almighty Allah, will be across six venues,” he said.

“And the home and away concept is also necessary, which is something that we have always talked about, and we always tried to implement: that Karachi plays its home games in Karachi, Lahore plays in Lahore, Multan plays in Multan. Islamabad is having to play in Pindi, but it’s close. Quetta and Peshawar have a little trouble with their home matches,” he added.

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Regarding stadiums, he emphasized Peshawar’s Imran Khan Stadium and stressed the need for upgradation to host the tournament’s matches.

“So, Peshawar’s Imran Khan Stadium is almost ready. Yeah. And there is a slight requirement for an upgrade to bring it to a standard where international cricket and PSL can take place.

I went there as well, and we looked around, and we discussed which things need improvement. And I think they [Peshawar Zalmi] know, we know, a little bit of work is left. The effort is that we will, by the will of Almighty Allah, get it ready for PSL 11,” Naseer revealed.

He mentioned that Faisalabad is another venue where matches are being scheduled for PSL 11. Salman noted that the plan involves introducing two new teams and that the sales process would begin in November due to high interest and expected competition.

“The other venue, and I think people have already gotten an inkling because matches have started being scheduled there in preparation for PSL 11, which is Faisalabad,” he continued.

“The plan is to have two new teams for PSL 11, and the process, which is the sales process, tender process, will begin in November. There is a lot of interest, and we are very keen to explore that interest, and it looks like there will be a lot of competition here as well,” he concluded.

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PCB draws up backup plan amid rift with Multan Sultans ownership: reports

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly created a backup plan for the potential termination of the Multan Sultans franchise due to ongoing tensions with the franchise owner, Ali Tareen.

According to sources, the PCB has initiated contact with one to two potential investors who have expressed interest in acquiring the Multan Sultans franchise, should the current ownership situation deteriorate further.

“If matters are not settled with the existing management, the franchise could be sold to a new owner,” insiders revealed.

The board, however, is reported to be moving forward with great deliberation.

Officials have stressed that no action will be taken near the league’s valuation process, as the PCB wants to avoid any disruption that could affect the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) credibility.

Relations between the PCB and the Multan Sultans management have reportedly soured over several issues in recent months.

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The latest flashpoint came when the board issued a legal notice to Ali Tareen for allegedly violating the PSL code of conduct and franchise agreement.

The notice warned of potential termination of the franchise and blacklisting of Tareen from future league involvement.

In response, Tareen released a sarcastic “apology” video on his social media platforms, mocking the PCB’s handling of the situation while publicly tearing up the legal notice.

“I didn’t receive a single call, message, or invitation to resolve this matter,” Tareen said in the video. “Instead, I was served a legal notice. If you were more competent, you’d know these matters aren’t handled this way.”

Although Tareen’s video was framed as an apology, it was filled with biting irony. The video concluded dramatically with Tareen tearing the legal notice in half, stating, “So, I hope you like my apology video.”

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WATCH: Ali Tareen responds to PCB’s legal notice with apology video

Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has issued a sarcastic video “apology” after receiving a legal notice from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over alleged violations of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise agreement.

The PCB had accused Tareen of breaching several clauses of the 10-year contract and demanded a public apology and retraction of his statements, warning of possible termination of the franchise’s contract and his blacklisting from the league.

In a video shared on his social media accounts, Tareen acknowledged the notice but responded with biting irony, criticising the PCB’s management and communication approach while ostensibly complying with the demand for an apology.

He said the board never attempted to resolve the matter through direct discussion.

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A post shared by Ali Khan Tareen (@aslitareen)

“I didn’t receive a single call, message, email, or invitation to meet and sort things out,” Tareen remarked. “Instead, I was served a legal notice. If you were more competent, you’d know these matters aren’t handled this way.”

Ali Tareen accused the PCB’s management of being surrounded by “yes-men” and unable to take criticism.

“The PSL belongs to the fans and to all of Pakistan, not just a handful of people currently running it,” he added.

While stating that his legal team saw no reason to issue an apology, Tareen said he would still offer one “because I want the PSL to improve.”

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His apology, however, was laced with sarcasm as he reiterated earlier grievances about the league’s professionalism and management.

He “apologised” for criticising the PSL’s opening ceremony, mockingly praising the “amazing” lip-syncing performances and noting that expecting the event to “start and finish on time” or have “a working mic” might have been asking “too much.”

Tareen also referenced minor complaints cited in the notice, apologising for being ten minutes late to a Zoom meeting and for his remarks about the league’s logistics, sarcastically highlighting how “half of the team was in one hotel and the other half in another.”

The video concluded with Tareen tearing up the legal notice, marking a dramatic end to his “apology.” “So, I hope you like my apology video,” he said.

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PCB issues termination notice to Multan Sultans

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a termination notice to Pakistan Super League (PSL) team Multan Sultans, with the contents of the notice now surfacing, sources revealed to ARY News on Thursday.

According to the sources, the franchise faces the risk of termination from the PSL if it fails to provide a satisfactory response to the notice within the given timeframe.

The notice reportedly accuses Multan Sultans of repeatedly violating contractual obligations and damaging the reputation of the PSL.

Serious allegations include claims that the team’s owner encouraged aggressive play, even announcing a $1,000 reward for hitting an opposing player’s helmet with a ball — a video of which is said to be circulating on social media.

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PCB sources stated that Multan Sultans allegedly used delaying tactics in the PSL valuation process, failed to provide input during official meetings, and caused reputational harm to the league through social media activity.

As per the PSL contract, no franchise is allowed to take actions that could harm the league’s image or credibility, the notice reportedly reminds the team.

Meanwhile, sources said the valuation process of the PSL, which saw a record 3.4 billion views during Season 10, is expected to be completed within the current week.

The bidding and inclusion process for new teams is also likely to be finalized by December, with two additional franchises expected to join PSL Season 11.

Meanwhile, Multan Sultans, in its defence, described the PCB’s actions as an attempt to silence constructive criticism.

“Every statement he has made has been in the best interest of the PSL, urging the league to aim higher and do better,” the team said in a statement, calling the notice “outrageous” and reflective of “pettiness within the current management.”

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BPL 2026 faces potential clash with PSL and IPL: reports

The next edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) may be rescheduled from its traditional December–January window to May 2026, setting up a potential clash with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Indian Premier League (IPL).

The development comes in light of Bangladesh’s upcoming general elections, with BPL chairman Mahbub Anam confirming on Thursday that alternative windows are being considered.

“BPL slot may change due to the elections,” Mahbub said while speaking to local media.

“It could be held before December, or another slot is being planned. We will take the next steps depending on the government’s decision. In this regard, May is another option.”

The tentative move follows an emergency board meeting held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, a day after Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus directed authorities to complete all election preparations by the end of this year. General elections in Bangladesh are expected in early 2026.

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If finalised, the new BPL window would place the tournament directly in competition with the IPL 2026 and the 11th edition of the PSL.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026, set to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February, has also played a role in shifting BPL’s potential schedule.

Mahbub Anam, who recently replaced Faruque Ahmed as BPL chairman, also acknowledged the need to elevate the league’s brand image and rectify past issues.

“BPL needs to set up its own standard. In the past, there were some mistakes, and the BCB has to take responsibility. We’ll try to increase the brand value of the BPL,” he stated.

He further revealed that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is actively exploring the possibility of expanding the tournament’s venue list beyond Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet.

“We will try to increase the number of venues. New ones will be added if they meet ICC standards and can offer proper accommodation for players,” Mahbub added.

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WATCH: Stakeholders hail PSL’s decade-long progress in post-meeting feedback

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) stakeholders praised the marquee league’s progress over the past decade in a post-meeting feedback with the management.

A day earlier, PSL management shared insights and data on the league’s growth over the years.

The meeting was headed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), in which representatives of franchises, the title sponsor, media rights partners, and commercial partners participated.

“Ali Imran, Rao Umar Hashim Khan, and Ayaz Imam from Walee Technologies, Trans Group, and A Sports, respectively, took part in the stakeholders meeting and shared their views with the PCB Digital,” the PCB stated in a statement.

The Senior Vice President of A Sports, Ayaz Imam, referred to the marquee league as the biggest tournament in Pakistan.

“HBL PSL is the biggest tournament in Pakistan at the moment, and thanks to the Almighty, the success in 10 years has been tremendous, and I feel it will keep on excelling in the future. As the broadcaster of this tournament, we take pride. Our ratings go higher and higher every time the PSL comes around,” he said.

Ali Imran, Senior Vice President of Walee Technologies, also hailed the record-breaking PSL X, emphasizing the streaming records.

“I think HBL PSL X was just amazing. Walee partnered with biggest live-streaming and digital platforms in Pakistan including Begin, Daraz, Myco, Tamasha and Tapmad. This is the first time 57.4 million fans from Pakistan streamed the PSL matches and there were over 3.4 billionm views across these platforms.

“The way the PSL team works is amazing and they have been a great support for Walee Technologies in bringing the HBL PSL closer to the fans. I urge the fans to get ready to witness the biggest PSL event next year as we plan to bring more digital innovations to fore,” he said.

Rao Umar Hashim Khan, Group Director, Trans Group, extended his best wishes for the tournament’s future success.

“Being the pioneer partner, I have the best wishes for the HBL PSL and I feel it is going to become the biggest cricketing event in the world. PSL is growing every season and we are hopeful that we’ll showcase lots of good cricket in times to come, ” he said.

“It has been an honour for Trans Group to be part of the HBL PSL for the entirety of the 10 seasons. It is such a joy to be a part of the PSL and everywhere we go it feels amazing to represent Pakistan’s mega event,” Hashim Khan added.”

The Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of HBL, Ali Habib, highlighted the tournament’s progress and hailed it as the nation’s biggest sporting event.

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“Everyone should reflect on the remarkable consistency of the HBL PSL for the last 10 years. At the start of every year the fans get excited about a new HBL PSL season, which in turn has made it as one of the biggest sporting brands.

“We should all pat our back for this wonderful achievement. Over the last 10 years we have shown to the world that we have the capacity, capability and organizational skills to pull off a vast six-week tournament across Pakistan involving over 60 overseas players,” he concluded.

For the unversed, the inaugural season of Pakistan’s first franchise-based league, PSL, kicked off in 2016 with a glitzy opening ceremony held at the Dubai Sports City Stadium.

Initially, five teams participated in the tournament: Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Lahore Qalandars, and Karachi Kings. However, in 2018, another team, Multan Sultans, was added to the competition, making the league a six-team tournament.

The 10th edition of the tournament, named PSL X, ran from April 11 to May 25 and featured a total of 34 matches, marking the most successful edition in the tournament’s history.

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PSL management showcases 10 years of progress at stakeholders meeting

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) management shared insights into its decade-long progress, headed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer, here on Wednesday at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

The inaugural season of Pakistan’s first franchise-based league, PSL, kicked off in 2016 with a glitzy opening ceremony held at the Dubai Sports City Stadium.

The 10th edition of the tournament, named PSL X, ran from April 11 to May 25 and featured a total of 34 matches, marking the most successful edition in the tournament’s history.

The Cricket Board has also shared the salient features of PSL X during the meeting.

“An impressive 647.25% increase in live streaming from PSL 9 to PSL X, highlighting the growing popularity of the league. In total, fans in Pakistan watched 48.5 billion cumulative minutes across live streaming platforms,” PCB stated.

“The PSL Playoffs and Final garnered 511 million views within the country, showcasing strong viewer engagement. Notably, 53% of the audience came from urban areas, while 47% were from rural regions,” it added.

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Moreover, the statement noted that PSL X also garnered a massive social media following through the tournament’s online content.

“The league has also amassed a substantial social media following, with 22 million fans engaging with PSL content online,” the cricket governing body said.

During the meeting, the management of the Marquee League demonstrated data and analytics regarding the PSL’s progress over the years. The workshop also reflected on the statistical analysis between the ninth and tenth editions of the league.

Speaking on occasion, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi praised PSL standards while calling the tournament a symbol of determination.

“The Pakistan Super League has not only grown into a premier cricketing brand but has also served as a symbol of resilience, hope, and unity during challenging times, he said.

“As we look to the future, the PCB remains committed to strengthening and evolving the league further. We envision an even more competitive, inclusive and globally engaging tournament that continues to bring joy to cricket fans and honour to Pakistan,” Mohsin Naqvi added.

PCB’s CEO, Salman Naseer, lauded PSL X’s digital engagement, emphasizing the significant increase in live streaming during the tournament.

“The substantial growth in digital engagement, particularly the 647 per cent surge in live streaming, is a testament to the league’s increasing popularity among cricket fans, ” he said.

“PSL is not just a tournament, it’s a movement that unites fans across the globe. As we look ahead towards the next decade, we cannot wait to unravel new stories and thrilling experiences for the fans. Exciting times ahead!” Salman Naseer concluded.

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CA, SACA address player safety over Pakistan-India tensions

Cricket Australia (CA) and the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) have released statements regarding the players’ safety amid growing tensions between Pakistan and India.

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) expressed concern over the security of their players participating in the India Premier League (IPL).

“The health and safety of players is not negotiable. We are in direct contact with all the South African players at the IPL and keeping them updated with security reports.”

“We have offered them any support they need,” Andrew Breetzke, the chief executive of the South African Cricketers’ Association, said.

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Cricket Australia announced that it is closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan and India and highlighting the communication between stakeholders in both countries.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation in Pakistan and India, including obtaining regular advice and updates from the Australian Government, the PCB, BCCI and local government authorities, and maintaining communication with our players and support staff currently in the region,” CA said in a statement on Friday.

It is pertinent to mention that, amid the growing tensions, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with immediate effect, due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.

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The major development comes just a day after the match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamsala was abruptly abandoned midway through the first innings.

One of the floodlights at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium was switched off, and fans were asked to evacuate the venue, triggering an alarm across the cricketing world.

With flight operations suspended in Dharamsala and nearby regions, players and support staff from both franchises were transported to Delhi on Friday morning via a special train arranged by the IPL.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday also decided to relocate the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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Cricket West Indies monitoring player safety amid escalating Pakistan-India tensions

ANTIGUA: Cricket West Indies (CWI) has issued a statement regarding the safety of it’s players who are currently participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL), amid ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India.

At present, there are eight West Indian players participating in the IPL: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Rovman Powell are part of the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Nicholas Pooran and Shamar Joseph play for the Lucknow Super Giants; Shimron Hetmyer is with the Rajasthan Royals; Romario Shepherd is part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru; and Sherfane Rutherford represents the Gujarat Titans.

Meanwhile, five players are participating in the ongoing PSL 10: Jason Holder (Islamabad United), Gudakesh Motie and Shai Hope (Multan Sultans), Alzarri Joseph (Peshawar Zalmi), and Akeal Hosein (Quetta Gladiators).

According to Cricket West Indies, they are in active communication with the stakeholders of the Pakistan-India cricket boards.

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“We are in active communication with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and our players currently involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL),” the official statement read

The statement further added that Cricket West Indies has engaged their strategic partner to ensure the safety of all West Indies players.

“We have also engaged our strategic partner, West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA), to coordinate and ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all West Indies players and support personnel in the region. The welfare of our people remains our highest priority,” it added.

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The board also highlighted WIPA’s contribution to current safety initiatives, noting that the organisation works together to evaluate risks and provide support to players during their engagements in South Asia.

“CWI continues to receive regular updates through diplomatic, governmental, and cricketing channels and stands ready to offer assistance where necessary.”

“We remain committed to the spirit of international cricket and to supporting our players through this uncertain and sensitive period,” the release concluded.

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Fans to choose ‘Hamaray Heroes’ for PSL 10

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket fans will have the chance to nominate successful personalities for the prestigious ‘Hamaray Heroes Award’ during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, which will commence on 11 April.

The fans can submit their nominations via a form on the PCB website until 3 p.m. on Wednesday, 9 April.

A panel appointed by the cricket board will shortlist 34 candidates to recognize their contributions during the landmark HBL PSL edition.

“The shortlisted candidates will receive cash awards during the HBL PSL X matches, while the fans will also get to watch short documentaries on their respective achievements and life stories on all HBL PSL digital handles as well as live broadcasts on match days, ” the board said in a statement.

The statement further mentioned that fans can nominate personalities from diverse fields, not just sports.

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“Fans can nominate personalities from various walks of life including but not limited to sports (other than cricket), education, healthcare, art, culture, music, social work, social entrepreneurship, and technology, with the PCB using its brand and reach to appreciate these individuals for their contributions and enhancing the image of the country.”

The ‘Hamaray Heroes Award ‘was introduced by the PCB in the PSL 2020. Previously, various personalities have been awarded in recognition for their work in society.

It is pertinent to mention that the PSL 10 will begin on Friday, 11 April, with defending champions Islamabad United taking on two-time champions Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The six-team tournament will see 34 matches from 11 April to 18 May, with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium set to host 13 matches, including two Eliminators and the final.

The upcoming edition will also feature an exhibition match, which will be played on 8 April in Peshawar.

According to the schedule, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including Qualifier 1 on 13 May. Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will host five matches each.

The marquee event will also feature three double-headers, with two matches on weekends (Saturday) and one on a national holiday (Labour Day).

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