[PICTURES] PSL-9 (2024) Discussion Thread

Exactly. It will fade out in the background.

I think the best possible solution is to find a new window i.e. Sept to Nov. Start the matches later than usual in the evening. This is the window in which we play our domestic cricket, why can't we host the PSL during this time period?

An injection of money is a long term process, the Pakistani economy is in tatters right now and will need a long term fix, the PCB will need time to develop a new financial model or to find new more hungry franchise owners. But changing the window and avoiding competition from other leagues especially the IPL will make a difference.
 
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Saw the PSL platinum and diamond list on PCB's site and it's not much different from last editions'. 2019 was the peak of the star power involved in PSL. Don't see organizers etc doing much to get more starpower interested.
 
I think the best possible solution is to find a new window i.e. Sept to Nov. Start the matches later than usual in the evening. This is the window in which we play our domestic cricket, why can't we host the PSL during this time period?

An injection of money is a long term process, the Pakistani economy is in tatters right now and will need a long term fix, the PCB will need time to develop a new financial model or to find new more hungry franchise owners. But changing the window and avoiding competition from other leagues especially the IPL will make a difference.
There is not just IPL now to be wary of. Numerous leagues have and are starting with SA20 and ILT20 next year fancying their eyes on become one of the best leagues.

If PSL will change windows to try and avoid a clash with the IPL season, will it be able to compete with other leagues in other times of the year?
 
The money offered to overseas cricketers is simply too low for big stars to come in
 
There is not just IPL now to be wary of. Numerous leagues have and are starting with SA20 and ILT20 next year fancying their eyes on become one of the best leagues.

If PSL will change windows to try and avoid a clash with the IPL season, will it be able to compete with other leagues in other times of the year?

IPL is the biggest factor, PSL is held right before the IPL. Big IPL players will not risk their $1-2 million paydays by risking injury, fatigue by playing the PSL just before the IPL. Also the SAT20, ILT20, Big Bash pay more than the PSL

But if you shift to the Window in Sept to Nov, you will at most be competing with CPL and Hundred and you can hold the PSL after these tournaments. Regardless of how much the PSL pays, because there is no clash with the IPL, you will end up improving your chances of getting top players in the PSL.
 
IPL is the biggest factor, PSL is held right before the IPL. Big IPL players will not risk their $1-2 million paydays by risking injury, fatigue by playing the PSL just before the IPL. Also the SAT20, ILT20, Big Bash pay more than the PSL

But if you shift to the Window in Sept to Nov, you will at most be competing with CPL and Hundred and you can hold the PSL after these tournaments. Regardless of how much the PSL pays, because there is no clash with the IPL, you will end up improving your chances of getting top players in the PSL.
moonsoon season in pakistan
 
Direct signings and auction should be brought in instead of the stupid draft. Franchises will be able to negotiate salaries for direct signings to their needs.
 
Cricket extravaganza: PCB chooses four cities for PSL season nine

The Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to host the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine across four cities.

Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi have been finalized to host the much-awaited league where more than 450 overseas along with many home-grown players would be showcasing their talents.

According to the proposed schedule by the national cricketing body, the first match would take place on February 19 in Lahore.


Source : Radio Pakistan
 
Cricket extravaganza: PCB chooses four cities for PSL season nine

The Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to host the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine across four cities.

Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi have been finalized to host the much-awaited league where more than 450 overseas along with many home-grown players would be showcasing their talents.

According to the proposed schedule by the national cricketing body, the first match would take place on February 19 in Lahore.


Source : Radio Pakistan
Oh no, here comes the wrath of paper tiger Javed Afridi
 
Madushanka, Gudakesh Motie, Alick Athanaze, Ryan Burl, Dane Cleaver, Harry Tector, Ali Orr are very good names for Silver Category.
 
If Madushanka is fully available I recon he would be a big pick
 
Yawn..

None of these foreign players interest me. Why can’t we recruit the likes of Stokes, Butler, Roy, Warner, Smith, Maxwell, De Kock, Miller or Perrera
 
Brandon King and Kyle Mayers

Two guys I would have my eyes on as my second or 3rd platinum players
 
Tbh this platinum list isn’t the worst. Could have been better if Warner, DeQock, Boult etc signed up but it’s still decent.

Just depends on the player’s availability now. The last thing you want is to waste your platinum pick on a player that may only play 30-50% of the season
 
CAT A platinum

Alzari Joseph
Ben Duckett
David Malan
Fakhar Zaman
Kusal Mendis
Rassie Van Dussen
Maheesh Theekshana
Rehmanullah Gurbaz


These boys most likely will be first picks
 
Tbh this platinum list isn’t the worst. Could have been better if Warner, DeQock, Boult etc signed up but it’s still decent.

Just depends on the player’s availability now. The last thing you want is to waste your platinum pick on a player that may only play 30-50% of the season
It's worse in context when you know this is going to be the 9th edition of PSL
 
PSL is no longer competitive vs Big Bash, ILT20, SAT20, IPL
 
Platinum top 6 pacers

Alzari Joseph
Fazal Haq Farooqi
Josh Little
Obaid McCoy
Reece Topley
Saqib Mahmood
 
How is Bangalzai still emerging?

He’s been around for 3-4 years now at domestic and PSL level
 
He's crap.
That’s understood. But it makes no sense for him to still be in emerging whilst Qasim Akram has graduated out of this category

Something isn’t right here, it’s as if there is some kind of agenda to push Bangalzai ahead of others
 
That’s understood. But it makes no sense for him to still be in emerging whilst Qasim Akram has graduated out of this category

Something isn’t right here, it’s as if there is some kind of agenda to push Bangalzai ahead of others

Did Qasim Akram make decision that wanted to be included in a higher category or is it because he has played more matches which is above the cut off point.
 
As per a media report:

Despite a two-year period since the initiation of construction of Hayatabad Cricket Stadium under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, the project remains unfinished.

The crucial installation of floodlights has not commenced, resulting in Peshawar's inability to host PSL matches.

As per sources, the stadium's construction costs have surpassed billions, yet the stadium remains incomplete.
 
Addressing concerns about potential disruptions due to fog in PSL 9, Chief Meteorologist Chaudhry Aslam, while speaking to local media, said:

"There is a chance of rain in the coming month but it will not be heavy, minimising the risk of match interruptions."

"Additionally, as February progresses, the temperature is expected to improve, leading to a significant reduction in fog, providing a clearer view for spectators."
 
Zaka Ashraf, Chairman PCB Management Committee, held a press conference on Wednesday at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. During the press conference, the chairman addressed the sale of PSL broadcast and live-streaming rights as well as his tour to Australia. PCB COO Salman Naseer and League Commissioner Naila Bhatti were also present alongside the chairman.

Zaka Ashraf: “We have gathered here to address two things. First of all, I want to address my tour to Australia –which proved to be a fruitful meeting between the two boards. Next, I want to congratulate all the stakeholders over the PSL broadcast rights bid, which had a remarkable result.

“We had talked to the Prime Minister about it earlier and he had encouraged strengthening relations with Australia as it would help cricket in Pakistan. At PCB, we were already inclined towards this. Earlier in India, we had interacted with Cricket Australia and we wanted to take that forward. We wanted to work with them for mutual benefit.

“I do not think we have had a deal of this kind with Cricket Australia previously so I think it is a good initiative. Moreover, while the tour did not result in victories for us, I think it was a good tour overall as we had some positives. Our younger talent got a chance to prove themselves, which they did with some great performances. The Australian Prime Minister hosted us as well and it was a great honour for us. The praise the Pakistan team got from their Prime Minister and the Australian cricket board was very encouraging.”

Naila Bhatti expanded on PSL broadcast and live-streaming rights:

“Yesterday, we had the domestic broadcast and livestreaming rights sale for the next two editions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). We were apprehensive because of the country’s economic situation but we got a great price. We had four bidders – Geo Sports, Ten Sports, PTV Sports and ARY Sports. ARY Sports had the highest bid in the second round. It was around 45 per cent more than the last time so it was an excellent bid.

“Our bid committee has franchise owners too and since most of this money goes to them, they were very happy. The live-streaming bid went well too and there were many contenders. It went to a new company – an Islamabad-based company called Walee Technologies – as they had a very aggressive bid. It was 113 per cent more than the last cycle. It goes to show that HBL PSL as a brand has become very important and people want to be associated with the brand.

“The live-streaming bid exceeded the base-price. The broadcast bid did not exceed. However, earlier we had gotten done a valuation for the broadcast deal by a third-party company. The bid exceeded the valuation by over a billion.”

Explaining the discussions that took place between PCB and Cricket Australia, Salman Naseer said:

“We talked about the challenges cricket boards are facing especially managing the amount of cricket in our FTP cycles. We are thankful to Cricket Australia because we have had a healthy interaction with them over the past few months. We have had discussions with them earlier, but we utilised this tour to finalise the plans.

“First of all, we addressed how there are clashes in league schedules because of how busy the calendars are. We wanted to ensure that the schedules for PSL and BBL do not clash. We also discussed player availability. Since there is so much cricket to be played – with workload management and injuries being a big factor as well – we talked about facilitating NOCs for BBL and HBL PSL to further the pool of players available for the two leagues.

“We want to work together to strengthen the two boards’ relationship. We also want to increase tours for Under-19, Shaheens and Women’s teams too to make them an annual feature. This way, they can get exposure of Asian conditions and our younger talent can get exposed to their conditions. We are working on involving more countries to this plan as well and that will come with time. We addressed training and development too, especially for pitch curators. They agreed to run training programs for our groundstaff too. For our women’s team too, we talked about filling the gaps in our FTP. We will share more details as they will flesh out. We will be signing a formal agreement too.”

Q: Is there a timeline to the development planned with Cricket Australia?

Zaka Ashraf: “We have a broad understanding of the scheduling and both the boards are on the same page. They have a scheduling committee which will finalise the plan and it will then be approved by their board. Hopefully it will all be finalised this year.

“We have developed a training plan for pitch curators with Cricket Australia. We will first train curators and then send a head curator there so they can learn. Eventually we will build a team of curators. We will hopefully grow and train curators who can look after all the grounds in Pakistan.

“We have not won a Test series in Australia in the past three decades and we can only plan for the future to better that record. We want to make sure that the younger talent acclimatises to different conditions so whenever they get a chance, they do well for Pakistan at the highest level. So, planning for Under-19 and Shaheens will help with that. Other countries like South Africa will also benefit from such tours so we will look to invite more countries to this plan as well. As far as India-Pakistan series are concerned, both the boards are ready to play one another as long as there is government clearance.”

Q: Where will the profit from the broadcasting deal go?

ZA: “95 per cent of this money goes to the franchises while PCB only gets five per cent of it. Since franchise owners have invested in the PSL, it is only fair that they earn this. It is a good sign for PCB too as it will help us expand the league, which we want to do in the near future. This shows that investing in HBL PSL is a lucrative opportunity.”

Q: Can you comment on other developments that you are planning?

ZA: “I will continue to work earnestly in my capacity as long as I am in office. We have had the meeting to set things in place for the elections as well. As soon as the governing board decides, we will have the elections.

“I am thankful to DHA leadership and administration as they have promised space for stadiums and grounds which can serve as training locations for young cricketers. We are talking to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government too as we wish to have HBL PSL’s inaugural game in Arbab Niaz Stadium. We want to build a ground in Islamabad, Bahawalpur and Gujranwala too and we are in talks with DHA over it. Punjab Government has been interested in helping us as well, so we are in talks with them too. We want to increase the number of grounds, to go along with the domestic contracts we offered to our men’s and women’s cricketers earlier. This will help expand our talent pool as well.”

Salman Naseer: “One of the major projects we took was upgrading the seating in stadiums. It is just awaiting final approvals. We want to ensure that the stadiums have comfortable seating. We are also moving towards green energy and reducing our carbon omissions. For that, we are looking to move towards solar energy as a resource for our stadiums.”

PCB
 
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HBL PSL 9 will begin from 17 February 2024 at the PCB’s headquarters in Lahore, with two-time winners and defending champions Lahore Qalandars taking on winners of the 2016 and 2018 editions Islamabad United. The marquee event will be played in four cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi – with the final of the six-team tournament taking place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on 18 March.

Over the course of the 34-match T20 tournament, Karachi will host 11 matches, including the Qualifier, two Eliminators and the final. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will each host nine matches, while fans in Multan, the city of saints, will witness five matches.

The much-anticipated contest between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings will be played on 24 February and 9 March. Gaddafi Stadium will stage the 24 February contest, while National Bank Stadium will see Qalandars and Kings locking horns on 9 March.

Kings, Qalandars, Sultans and United will play five matches at their home ground, while Peshawar Zalmi will play four matches at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. Quetta Gladiators will play three matches each in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, while they will play one match at the Multan Cricket Stadium against the home side Sultans on 25 February.

Like the previous edition, the forthcoming ninth edition of the HBL PSL will take place in two legs with Multan Cricket Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting 14 matches between them from 17 to 27 February. The cricketing action will then move to Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, where 16 matches will be played from 28 February to 12 March. The tournament will then move to Karachi in its entirety for the playoffs.

Chair of PCB Management Committee, Mr Zaka Ashraf: “We are thrilled to announce that the HBL Pakistan Super League's ninth edition is set to kick off on February 17, showcasing the best of T20 cricket in four cities across Pakistan. The decision to host the marquee event across these cities is a testament to our commitment to bring top-notch cricket to fans across the country. We believe that hosting matches in these venues not only adds to the excitement for fans but also promotes cricket at the grassroots level.

“As we gear up for this spectacular event, we look forward to witnessing thrilling action and creating unforgettable moments for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.”

Schedule of Matches

February 17, 2024 Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
February 18, 2024 Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore; Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings, Multan Cricket Stadium
February 19, 2024 Lahore Qalandars v Quetta Gladiators, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
February 20, 2024 Multan Sultans v Islamabad United, Multan Cricket Stadium
February 21, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore; Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars, Multan Cricket Stadium
February 22, 2024 Quetta Gladiators v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
February 23, 2024 Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Cricket Stadium
February 24, 2024 Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
February 25, 2024 Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators, Multan Cricket Stadium; Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
February 26, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
February 27, 2024 Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
February 28, 2024 Karachi Kings v Islamabad United, National Bank Stadium
February 29, 2024 Karachi Kings v Quetta Gladiators, National Bank Stadium
March 2, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium
March 3, 2024 Karachi Kings v Multan Sultans, National Bank Stadium
March 4, 2024 Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi, Pindi Cricket Stadium
March 5, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium
March 6, 2024 Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium
March 7, 2024 Islamabad United v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium
March 8, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium
March 9, 2024 Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Stadium
March 10, 2024 Islamabad United v Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Quetta Gladiators v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Stadium
March 11, 2024 Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi, National Bank Stadium
March 12, 2024 Quetta Gladiators v Multan Sultans, National Bank Stadium
March 14, 2024 Qualifier (1 v 2), National Bank Stadium
March 15, 2024 Eliminator 1 (3 v 4), National Bank Stadium
March 16, 2024 Eliminator 2 (Eliminator Winner v Qualifier Runner-up), National Bank Stadium
March 18, 2024 Final, National Bank Stadium
 

PCB gets 'foolproof security' guarantee for Karachi PSL matches​


KARACHI: With around a month left before the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 9) kicks off on February 17, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf Monday secured a “foolproof security” guarantee from Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Riffat Mukhtar.

As Karachi is set to host a total of 11 fixtures — including the qualifier, two eliminators, and the final — PCB chief and the top cop mulled over security measures pertaining to the conduct of the PSL matches at Karachi’s Central Police Office.

"Security matters will be handled with full professionalism and extraordinary measures in all aspects," the IG said while reiterating Sindh Police’s high alertness and effective security measures in important events held at the National Stadium in the past.

Meanwhile, Ashraf expressed complete satisfaction with the approved contingency plans for the PSL matches and expressed gratitude to the police officer.

Ashraf further ensured assurance and confirmed the commitment of cooperation from both himself and the PCB administration towards every possible collaboration.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan’s flagship cricket tournament will commence in Lahore with the opening match featuring two-time champions and current titleholders, Lahore Qalandars, going up against Islamabad United — winners of the 2016 and 2018 editions.

Source: The News
 
Fans to nominate Hamaray Heroes for PSL 9

Pakistan cricket fans will have an opportunity to nominate their favourite personalities, who will be recognised by the Pakistan Cricket Board under the Hamaray Heroes (Powered by Kingdom Valley) initiative during the HBL Pakistan Super League 9 from 17 February to 18 March.

Fans can submit their suggestions by completing a nominations form, which is available here before 11:59pm, Saturday, 3 February 2024.

The final list will be presented to a panel tasked with shortlisting thirty-four candidates for acknowledgment during the tournament, which will be held in Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi.

Fans will have a chance to pick their favourite personalities from different walks of life, such as sports, 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.

PSL fans can shine a light on the heroes by nominating a maximum of two individuals (one in each category). They can be people or organisations who directly help others, whose work is improving the wellbeing of others, or whose achievements are inspiring others.

In PSL 8, some of the prominent personalities to be recognised were Misbah Hina (sports activist), Nisha Rao (transgender lawyer), Hoor Fawad (table tennis player), Ghulam Mohammad (artist) and Noor Fatima Rashid (national chess player).
 
Babar Azam's dominance

In your opinion, who stands out as the top batter in the history of the Pakistan Super League?

p6xpGGw.jpg
 
With so much instability right now with elections starting in a week and then a week after PSL kicking off I doubt if they're going to even get it underway with so much happening.
 

PSL 9 tickets up for grabs from February 6​

Cricket fans must be excited about the upcoming edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) and here is the good news for them.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced that the PSL 9 tickets will be up for grabs from February 6.

The fans can also pre-book their tickets to watch the matches live from stadium online by logging on to on pcb.tcs.com.pk at 5pm on the said date, the PCB said in a statement issued in this regard.

The tournament is set to begin on February 17, with cricketing stars from the country and all over the world participating in the event.

On the other hand, physical tickets have been made mandatory for all PSL 9 matches. E-tickets (self-printed or digital copies) will not be accepted for entry across the four venues throughout the tournament.

Physical tickets will go on sale at designated TCS express centres from February 12 2024 onwards. Tickets booked online can also be collected from designated pick-up centres or can be home-delivered by the courier.

The opening ceremony and first match of the ninth edition of the PSL is scheduled to take place on February 17 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The tickets have been set at PKR 6,000 (VIP), PKR 3,000 (Premium), PKR 2,000 (First class) and PKR 1,000 (General).

The tickets for the final, to be played on March 18 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, have been set at PKR 8,000 (VIP), PKR 4,000 (Premium), PKR 2,500 (First class) and PKR 1,000 (General).

The tickets for the qualifier will be sold for PKR 5,000 (VIP), PKR 2,500 (Premium), PKR 1500 (First class) and PKR 750 (General) while tickets for the two eliminators have been priced at PKR 5,000 (VIP), PKR 3,000 (Premium), PKR 1500 (First class) and PKR 750 (General).

Throughout PSL 9, Karachi will host 11 matches including the final leg of the tournament, Rawalpindi and Lahore will host nine matches each while Multan will host five matches.

 
We already had a very poor roster of international players this season. To top it off, there is now going to be uncertainty and instability arising from the fall out and the reaction of the elections in Pakistan.

I don't see much interest in the PSL this time given what's going on in Pakistan right now.

Was it wise for the PCB to hold the PSL in Pakistan in these circumstances and so close to the elections?
 
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Richard Illingworth returns for his seventh season as match officials for HBL PSL 9 announced

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the match officials for HBL Pakistan Super League 9, scheduled to take place across four venues from 17 February to 18 March. A total of 14 matches will be played from 17 to 27 February across Lahore and Multan while Karachi and Rawalpindi will stage 16 matches from 28 February to 12 March.

The match officials for the Qualifier, two eliminators and final, to be held in Karachi from 14 to 18 March, will be announced in due course.

Four members of the ICC’s elite panel of umpires – Richard Illingworth, Chris Gaffaney, Ahsan Raza and Michael Gough – will be accompanied by Abdul Moqeet, Aleem Dar, Tariq Rasheed, Shozab Raza, Rashid Riaz, Faisal Afridi, Ruchira Palliyaguruge, Asif Yaqoob, Alex Wharf, Nasir Hussain, Imran Jawed and Muhammad Asif.

Among the foreign umpires, Illingworth, who has previously officiated in six editions of the league, has served as an umpire in 48 matches in HBL PSL. England’s Gough, who has appeared in four editions previously, has officiated 34 matches, followed by Wharf (11 matches) and Sri Lanka’s Palliyaguruge (three matches). New Zealand’s Gaffaney will make his league debut, officiating his first match between Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan on 18 February.

Roshan Mahanama, who has officiated 97 HBL PSL matches and is also a former member of the ICC’s elite panel of match referees, will be in his ninth successive year and will lead a team of three match referees with other members being Ali Naqvi and Muhammad Javed.

The opening match between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United in Lahore will be officiated by veteran umpire Aleem Dar and Michael Gough on the field. Tariq Rasheed will be the TV Umpire while Shozab Raza will perform the duties of reserve umpire during the game. Muhammad Javed will perform duties of match referee in the match.

PCB
 
PCB needs to get heavyweights like Starc, Cummins and other top stars to really make PSL a success globally. Having mostly average foreign players would not help the youngsters.
 
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke is all set to make his HBL PSL debut behind the mic as he joins a star-studded commentary panel.

42-year-old Clarke has been an active broadcaster after hanging up his boots as a player.

The foreign commentators' roster involves the dynamic Ian Bishop, known for his insightful and gripping commentary, along with Danny Morrison, Simon Doull, Pommie Mbangwa, Mark Butcher, Dominic Cork and Mike Haysman.

Bishop will return to the HBL PSL for the second time after having called the 2017 season. Morrison is a well-known name among the local fans and a regular voice in the tournament while Doull has made trips to Pakistan not just for HBL PSL but also for various international series.

Mbangwa will return after having called the 2022 edition of the HBL PSL. Butcher, Cork, and Haysman are also synonymous names with the HBL PSL and they’ll light up the tournament with their vocals and thrilling calls with the mic in hand.

The Pakistani commentators also make up an exciting lineup with Ramiz Raja, Waqar Younis, Bazid Khan, and Aamir Sohail joining Urooj Mumtaz, Sana Mir and Marina Iqbal. Tariq Saeed and Ali Younis will call the action in Urdu. Erin Holland and Zainab Abbas will be the presenters during the course of the HBL PSL 9.

The HBL PSL production is set to maintain its standards of broadcasting this season as well. A total of 30 high-definition cameras, including the buggy cam will stream high-quality action to the HBL PSL fans around the world. Spidercam will not only bring dynamic angles to the TV audiences but it has also been upgraded with a microphone and speaker enhancement for conducting on-field player interviews during the matches.

The DRS technology will also be available throughout the HBL PSL while drone cameras will be used to add to the quality of streaming. The fans will see a change in the on-screen graphics during the matches with the integration of revamped augmented reality graphics and player video headshots.
 
Has anyone been able to buy tickets online.

I am in the UK and the website has not been working ever since it launched.
 
Pakistan Super League hit by pullouts of overseas cricketers

Several high-profile international cricketers have pulled out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to the overlapping of dates with other franchise-based tournaments and many cricket boards denying permission to their players to compete in domestic T20 competitions. The PSL begins in Lahore on February 17 and all the six franchises have been hit hard with several players opting for the Bangladesh Premier League, ILT20 and SA20 leagues.

PSL side Multan Sultans have lost several players they had initially signed up for the upcoming season, with England pace bowler Reece Topley being the latest to pull out due to an injury. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also said it had not issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) to Topley to play in the PSL.

Some other boards are also having second thoughts about giving no-objection certificates for PSL. Multan will also be without Pakistan fast bowler Ihsanullah, who has failed to recover from an elbow surgery he suffered last year after the PSL.

Peshawar Zalmi have also lost a big name in Lungi Ngidi of South Africa, while Quetta Gladiators will be without Sri Lanka's Wanandu Hasaranga. West Indies cricketers Shai Hope, Matthew Forde and Akeal Hosein, South Africa's Tabraiz Shamshi and Rassie van Der Dussen, England's James Vince and Afghanistan's Noor Ahmed and Naveen ul Haq, among others, will also skip the entire tournament.

A PSL franchise owner has asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to revisit the tournament window, as it is not possible to get big players when three leagues are happening on after the other. "The SA20 ended recently and the ILT20 concludes on the day the PSL begins, so it is getting difficult to sign big players now," he said on condition of anonymity.

He also pointed out that January-February is a busy season for international cricket series. Sri Lanka are playing a series against Afghanistan, South Africa are in the middle of a two-Test series against New Zealand while West Indies are playing a series against Australia. "There is an acute need to change the PSL window, else it will lose its charm if we don't get big overseas names," he added.
SOURCE: https://www.cnbctv18.com/sports/pak...louts-of-overseas-cricketers-19038351.htm/amp
 
The PSL 9 trophy was unveiled in Lahore today. Team captains, including Shaheen Afridi, Sarfaraz Ahmed (who joined as no replacement was announced yet for the new Quetta Gladiator captain), Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shadab Khan, were also present at the ceremony. Babar Azam seemed to have arrived late for the event.

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HBL PSL 9 trophy unveiled at the Polo Ground

Lahore, 13 February 2024:

The HBL PSL 9 trophy has been unveiled at the Polo Ground of the Race Course Park in Lahore in the presence of Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi, franchise owners, HBL representatives and star cricketers.

The trophy is “The Orion Trophy” and will be a source of motivation for all the teams participating in the tournament. The trophy embodies the spirit of the HBL Pakistan Super League where each team shines brightly as they strive for glory.

Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman PCB: “It is a pleasure to announce that HBL PSL is entering its ninth season, and I am proud to say that HBL PSL continues to be a success story for Pakistan cricket.

“Today, as we unveil this Orion trophy, we look forward to a month-long celebration of the beautiful game of cricket and the excitement and drama that accompanies it.

“HBL PSL connects to the hearts of people of Pakistan, who cherish every thrilling moment of the game. Be it towering sixes, high-intensity bowling, and top-notch catches, HBL PSL offers an emotional rollercoaster.

“I would like to thank the title sponsor of the league HBL, they truly have uplifted the game of cricket in our country through their support and have become synonymous with the name of the league. All the successes over the past eight years are a testament to HBL's commitment to the Pakistan Super League.

“I also want to thank the representatives of all six teams for being present here today and I wish all teams the best of luck for the season. May the best team lift this prestigious trophy.”

Ali Naqvi, owner of Islamabad United: “We are excited about the ninth edition of the HBL PSL. Islamabad United has been one of the most successful teams in the tournament and we want to extend that with a grand triumph this season.

“We had one of the best drafts in our history and some of the most exciting players will be lining up for Islamabad United this season. I can’t wait to watch the team play at the home ground in Rawalpindi and win the hearts of the fans.”

Salman Iqbal, owner Karachi Kings: “Karachi Kings are ready to turn the tables in the HBL PSL 9 with their breathtaking performances. The build-up and preparation for the tournament have been top notch and I expect some quality results in the tournament.

“We have a new coach and captain for this season which makes the fans more excited about Karachi’s prospects in this season. A strong Karachi Kings means a strong and exciting HBL PSL and we’ll prove it this time around.”

Atif Rana, CEO Lahore Qalandars: “As the two-time HBL PSL champions we are eagerly looking forward to completing a hat-trick of triumphs for the first time in the history of the league.

“We have stacked up our resources this season as well and aim to hit the ground running in the tournament. Our fans are also geared up to fill the stadium not just during the home games in Lahore but also in the away games as well and support the team with all their might.

“I assure them that we’ll put in our all efforts to lift the Orion Trophy in Karachi under the able leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi.”

Ali Khan Tareen, Owner of Multan Sultans: “I am super glad to be a part of the HBL PSL again. It is such an exciting venture to be a part of as it spreads smiles on the faces of many people across the country. A lot has happened between this season and the past season and I want to make sure that the Sultans maintain consistency in their performances this year as well.

“The HBL PSL also brings a wave of happiness to the people of Pakistan and I am sure this year will be filled with heaps of triumphs.

“It would be great to conclude this exciting season with the glittering HBL PSL trophy being lifted by Mohammad Rizwan and Co.”

Javed Afridi, chair of Peshawar Zalmi: “I am glad that the ninth edition of the HBL PSL is finally here and the Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi are ready to make a mark in the tournament.

“Our loyal fans wait the whole year for the tournament to start and I want my team to put up great performances in every game. I promise you that Peshawar Zalmi will continue to play the attacking style of cricket this year as well.

“My team is hungry to prove a point on the field and I am sure the beauty of the Orion Trophy must have added more to that hunger.”

Nadeem Omar, owner Quetta Gladiators: “The Orion Trophy has been unveiled and this occasion is no less a motivation for team Quetta to roar in the HBL PSL 9.

“We have had our fair share of struggles in the recent seasons but it is about time that Gladiators showcase good fight and determination and HBL PSL 9 is a befitting time to be doing that.

“We are looking forward to taking on all five teams and proving our mettle at all the four venues.”

About the trophy

Orion, in various mythologies and cultures, is often associated with a prominent constellation located in the celestial equator. The constellation is easily recognisable by three bright stars forming Orion's Belt and is visible from both hemispheres, making it one of the most well-known and easily identifiable star patterns in the night sky.

Made from pure silver and coated in white gold, the elegant trophy exudes prestige. Each detail is plated with white gold, adding grace that signifies the excellence of the HBL Pakistan Super League. With the investment of 900+ hours of non-stop work and hand placement of 18,000 stones, this marvel stands tall and proud.

PCB
 
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Was it wise for the PCB to hold the PSL in Pakistan in these circumstances and so close to the elections?
Perhaps they're expecting the PSL to be a welcome distraction from all the post election noise.
 
Several players pulling out of the tournament. South Africa's Lungi Ngidi will not be turning out for Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators will be without Wanindu Hasaranga, one of the leading players in the world in T20 cricket.
The likes of Shai Hope, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van Der Dussen, James Vince, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed and Naveen ul Haq have also pulled out of the tournament. Reece Topley has also pulled out with an injury.
 
Not interested in this cowboy cricket anymore. These local leagues such gives an opportunity to promote and glorify guys who would mostly choke when the real cricket is on.
 
PSL desperately needs a window.

They arent going to attract prestigious overseas players from England and Australia ( and India obviously).

So we need to aim for a window where we can get players from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The English junior players will still be available as will some of the Windies players.

South African players are hit and miss.

If we dont do this the league will fade into obscurity.

The other option is to try and knock some time off it. Either condense the fixtures or play multiple fixtures a day to make the league shorter.
 
PSL desperately needs a window.

They arent going to attract prestigious overseas players from England and Australia ( and India obviously).

So we need to aim for a window where we can get players from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The English junior players will still be available as will some of the Windies players.

South African players are hit and miss.

If we dont do this the league will fade into obscurity.

The other option is to try and knock some time off it. Either condense the fixtures or play multiple fixtures a day to make the league shorter.

A new window is needed perhaps around Sept-Nov where you have a chance to grab the best available players and the other T-20 leagues haven't started yet
 
The current prevailing political mood in the country will have a negative impact on the PSL. There is no buzz this time
 
Abrar, Arshad, Hasan, Naseem, Usama and Zaman reflect on meeting high standards at the PSL

Since its inception in 2016, Pakistan Super League (PSL) has gained a reputation for its high bowling standards. Owing to the smart bowling on display, the games are highly competitive; pacers and spinners turning up the heat to match up to the innovation employed by powerhouse batters that partake in this league.

With each passing year, PSL raises the bar with astute bowling performances. Abrar Ahmed, Arshad Iqbal, Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali, and Usama Mir comment on delivering at high stakes by adapting according to the volatility of T20 cricket.

Abrar Ahmed – Quetta Gladiators

“If you compare league cricket across the world, HBL PSL probably has the best bowling on offer. Our emerging players bowl at 140 KPH or higher, so the standards are very high.

“Sometimes I have to bowl the new ball in the powerplay, which is difficult. Other times, I am told to bowl in the death overs. But you have to see what the requirement of the team is and deliver accordingly.”

Arshad Iqbal – Peshawar Zalmi

“HBL PSL is known for the impressive local fast bowling talent it showcases. It is a tough platform to bowl in, especially because T20 as a format is challenging. Whether you are bowling the new ball or bowling at the latter stage of the innings, you cannot take your role easy.”

Hasan Ali – Karachi Kings

“All the teams have an impressive pace bowling arsenal which makes the league more competitive as none of the games are one-sided. Because of this, we have seen the level of competition grow with each season.”

Naseem Shah – Islamabad United

“HBL PSL is a big stage and hosts top-class batters from the world so it is challenging, and even more so if you are coming back from an injury. You have to give your best, especially if you are leading [the bowling attack]. A lot depends on you then; if you give a good start, the rest of your unit follows.

“I believe while wickets help build pressure on the opposition but controlling your economy is equally important in T20 cricket. In modern T20 cricket, where you see 200 runs being scored, if you get a couple wickets and give under 30 runs, you have bowled a good spell.”

Usama Mir – Multan Sultans

“The expectations are high when you assume any lead role because a lot is at stake. I have been Multan Sultans’ main spinner since last year. I particularly enjoyed last Multan leg – even though the conditions were challenging, I did well there.

“It is tough to adapt to the four venues – especially Rawalpindi – which is a grueling ground for spinners. You have to be smart about how and where to bowl. It is a hard task but you have to rise up to the challenge and make sure you employ the best tactics for your team.”

Zaman Khan – Lahore Qalandars

“The HBL PSL has played a great role in my development as a player. I have faced many scenarios in the matches that have helped me strengthen my skills and enhanced my temperament. The dressing room environment and the intensity of the competition in the league are top-notch; any young player like me can become a star by proving his mettle.”
 
Babar Azam's dominance

In your opinion, who stands out as the top batter in the history of the Pakistan Super League?

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They have to add the most 4s stat to somehow justify Babar’s insistence on opening and maintaining a low strike rate throughout his career
 
They have to add the most 4s stat to somehow justify Babar’s insistence on opening and maintaining a low strike rate throughout his career
Yes let's ignore the most runs and the best average.
 
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