Salman Naseer Archives

Lahore Qalandars to face THIS team in PSL 11 opener

LAHORE: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Salman Naseer, has officially confirmed the teams and venue for the opening fixture of the tournament’s historic 11th edition, set to run from March 26 to May 3.

Addressing the media with Hamza Majeed and Gohar Shah, Naseer announced that Qalandars will lock horns with tournament debutants Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen in the season opener at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

The clash will be preceded by a grand opening ceremony, marking the beginning of what promises to be a landmark season for the league.

Naseer further revealed that the first leg of PSL 11 will largely be staged in Lahore, with the complete schedule expected to be unveiled later this week.

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In recent days, reports have circulated suggesting that the grand finale of PSL 11 could potentially be held outside Pakistan in a bid to engage overseas fans and expand the league’s footprint.

When asked about the possibility of taking a PSL fixture abroad, Naseer confirmed that the matter is indeed under discussion.

“The schedule will be announced later this week, so everything will become clear. But definitely, this was an issue under consideration, that our overseas Pakistanis also want to enjoy the PSL and experience it,” he said.

“Now, as we are becoming a global league, maybe we should take at least one match overseas. Whether that will happen this year or next year, you will get clarity by the end of this week,” he added.

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Salman Naseer confirms franchise auction for new PSL teams

Salman Naseer, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), confirmed on Wednesday that an auction will take place for two new franchises to be included in the tournament’s 11th edition in 2026.

Naseer, during a press conference at the National Bank Stadium, revealed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will soon conduct an auction process for the new franchises.

“An auction will be held for two new PSL franchises,” he said. “Bidding parties will be provided a list of city names, from which they can select one team.”

The CEO announced that all existing sponsorship and franchise agreements from the league’s inaugural cycle have now concluded, following the completion of PSL’s 10th season, which marks a pivotal transition phase for the competition.

“All major contracts, including those with sponsors and franchises, have ended after ten years. HBL will continue as title sponsor for Seasons 11 and 12,” Naseer added.

Reflecting on PSL’s journey, Salman Naseer recalled the challenges faced when the project began in 2015, at a time when international cricket had yet to return to Pakistan.

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“In the beginning, there was limited interest and few sponsors. But once the league started in the UAE, it quickly gained popularity. Even in difficult times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the PSL never stopped,” he said.

He credited all franchises for playing a vital role in strengthening the PSL brand, noting that the league has survived “testing circumstances, including times of political and regional instability.”

Looking ahead, Naseer confirmed that Faisalabad and Peshawar are being considered as future PSL venues, with ongoing efforts to revive cricket in both cities.

“I think from our side, as management and even the other stakeholders, including franchises, everyone wants to expand our footprint beyond these four cities,” said Naseer.

“Peshawar Stadium’s lease matters are being worked out, and both venues are part of our long-term planning.

“Once two new teams come in, final decisions regarding venues and match allocations will be made in consultation with the PCB chairman.”

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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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Team ‘unity’ among key points discussed in Connection Camp

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Salman Naseer shared that team unity was one of the key points that came under discussion during the recently concluded Connection Camp here at Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.

Naseer, addressing the media here, revealed that the idea behind calling the high-profile meeting, dubbed Connection Camp, was to resolve the issues ahead of the national team’s busy schedule.

The PCB COO acknowledged a dip in the performance of not just the national team but also of the management before revealing the talking points of the discussion including unity and collaboration.

“We have a hectic schedule, and it was the right moment to sit together and discuss matters,” said Naseer.

“There were three to four important things on which we did brainstorming and I think it was the need of the hour as we all know that the performance of either players or management can be improvised.

“Another idea [behind the Connection Camp] was that we sit together to identify the issues, things which can be improved and also our vision and what steps are needed to achieve it.

“So, we built a roadmap on how we can reignite our excellence and what steps are necessary to achieve success.

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“It was an open and transparent session, during which we got to talk to each other with utmost honesty and discussed unity, collaboration and how we can improve our communication.”

When asked whether he acknowledges that there was a lack of unity in the team, Salman Naseer shared that the Connection Camp was held in this regard as well.

“Today’s session was held in this regard as well so that we can openly, sincerely and candidly accept, identify and ask for commitment from each other and make demands so that we can improve our performance and also on how we need to work together as a team since it is a team sport.”

On the other hand, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten termed Connection Camp a success before asserting that the stakeholders have largely achieved the purpose of the gathering.

“The connection camp was brilliant. We spoke about supporting each other, and I believe we’ve largely achieved the purpose of this gathering. Everyone has shown a real commitment to restore the pride of Pakistan cricket,” Kirsten said.

Pakistan red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie backed Kirsten’s remarks and termed the Connection Camp a wonderful opportunity.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to sit down together. We need to connect with each other, and this was the right time to do so,” Gillespie said.

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PCB officials meet ICC head of security ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

LAHORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) Head of Security Dave Musker met with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) COO Salman Naseer and other officials to review the preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025.

According to the details, the high-profile meeting was held at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) here with security arrangements for the eight-team tournament its core agenda.

“ICC Head of Security, Dave Musker, met with PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer and other officials at the NCA on Tuesday,” stated PCB.

“Musker is visiting Pakistan as part of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 preparations.

“The eight-team event is scheduled in Pakistan in February-March 2025.”

Earlier this year in March, a three-member ICC delegation visited Pakistan to inspect different venues and facilities in the country for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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The delegation led by Chris Tetley, ICC’s Head of Events, included Sarah Edgar, Senior Manager event operations at ICC and Aun Zaidi, Manager event operations.

After inspecting Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium, the ICC delegation insisted on the extensive preparations needed to host the Champions Trophy 2025.

Acknowledging the importance of hosting a successful tournament, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi gave the delegation assurances of thorough preparations at every stage.

The eight-team tournament is slated to be held in February next year in Pakistan and is likely to span for over two weeks.

The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh while hosts Pakistan will defend the title.

READ: Gary Kirsten to join Pakistan team ahead of England T20Is

PCB delegation visits Iqbal Stadium as upgradation on the cards

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) delegation featuring COO Salman Naseer and Chief Selector Wahab Riaz visited Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium on Friday.

According to the details, the delegation made a visit to the Iqbal Stadium as per the instruction of the newly-appointed PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

The delegation was instructed by the PCB head to analyze the condition of the stadium and the facilities there which may pave the way for its upgradation.

For the unversed, Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium has not hosted a single international, domestic or franchise league match since the return of international cricket to Pakistan.

The Stadium last hosted an international match in 2008.

Earlier this week, PCB Chairman Naqvi was presented with the plan to upgrade three major stadiums.

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The development came after Naqvi previously announced that the major stadiums of the country would undergo upgradation before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi called on the NESPAK (National Engineering Services of Pakistan) officials in a follow-up meeting on the upgradation of the three major venues in Pakistan,” the PCB said in a press release.

“COO PCB, Salman Naseer, Director Infrastructure PCB Nasir Hameed and GM NESPAK were also in attendance during this meeting.

“The initial designs for the immediate upgradation of Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, National Bank Stadium, Karachi and Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi were presented to the Chairman PCB in the form of a presentation.

“The chairman instructed the officials about his plans regarding the enhancement of the view for the fans from every seat in the stadium while he also emphasised the importance of renovation of the hospitality boxes at all three venues.

“With the upgradation plan to be finalised soon, the Chairman instructed the NESPAK officials to start the work on stadiums immediately keeping in mind a tight window of time before hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.”

Mohsin Naqvi, while addressing the media at the National Bank Stadium on Monday night, following the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9, acknowledged the need to upgrade three major stadiums, followed by the upgradation of other venues.

“Our three main venues – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi – will be upgraded before the Champions Trophy. We will upgrade other venues later as well, once these three are done. Our stadiums will be state-of-the-art once they have been renovated,” said Chairman PCB.

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‘Have back up plans to host complete PSL 7 successfully’ PSL’s head

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s COO and Pakistan Super League (PSL)’s tournament director, Salman Naseer has assured that the league’s seventh edition will be completed successfully.

Following the COVID-19 fears, PSL’s head was asked about their preparations to fight with another wave of the widely spread virus across the country.

“The situation of the COVID-19 is not good in the country right now and we know that. That’s why we are doing as many preparations as possible for successfully hosting the complete PSL 7,” Naseer shared.

“We also have a backup for a backup plan. Because, we are confident to host complete PSL this time around,” he added.

Naseer didn’t share many details but indicated having a different bio-secure environment for the event. “We have placed strict guidelines for the event. We not only have reserved players but also broadcasters in case of any COVID-19 emergency. Matches will go as scheduled if minimum of 13 players will be available. In case of more COVID-19 cases, the event will be postponed for a maximum of seven days,” Naseer said.

According to reports, the same international company, that managed the bio-secure bubble during PSL 6 in Abu Dhabi, will be handling the bio-secure arrangements this time too.

READ: PCB COO Salman Naseer unveils PSL 7 trophy

PCB appoints Salman Naseer as Tournament Director for PSL 7

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed the COO of the cricket board – Salman Naseer as the director of the upcoming seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

With the preparations of the upcoming PSL 7 in full flow, PCB has decided to appoint Naseer as the director of the tournament, sources claimed.

The event will kick off on January 27 at Karachi’s National Stadium. Whereas, on February 27, Gaddafi Stadium will host the final of the tournament.

It’s worth mentioning that all of the teams bolstered their squads for PSL 7 yesterday by acquiring additional players in the supplementary category and making partial replacement calls in the mini-draft.

READ: Teams strengthen their squads for PSL 7