Lahore, The ninth edition of the Habib Bank Limited Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL 9) is scheduled to commence on February 17, 2024, at the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) headquarters in Lahore. The tournament will feature a face-off between the two-time winners and defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, and the 2016 and 2018 champions, Islamabad United. This highly anticipated T20 cricket event will be hosted across four cities: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, concluding with the final match at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on March 18.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the tournament will span 34 matches, with Karachi hosting 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. Fans in Multan will have the opportunity to witness five matches in their city.

Highlights of the tournament include eagerly awaited contests between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings on February 24 and March 9. While the February 24 match will take place at Gaddafi Stadium, the March 9 face-off will be held at the National Bank Stadium.

The distribution of home ground matches will see Kings, Qalandars, Sultans, and United playing five matches each at their respective home venues. Peshawar Zalmi is set to play four matches at Pindi Cricket Stadium, and Quetta Gladiators will play across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with one match in Multan.

The HBL PSL 9 will have two legs, with the first 14 matches taking place in Multan and Lahore from February 17 to 27. The action will then shift to Rawalpindi and Karachi from February 28 to March 12, followed by the playoffs in Karachi.

Mr. Zaka Ashraf, Chair of the PCB Management Committee, expressed his excitement about the upcoming tournament, emphasizing the commitment to delivering top-notch cricket across Pakistan. He highlighted the strategic choice of hosting the event in multiple cities to promote cricket at the grassroots level and to create an electrifying atmosphere for fans nationwide.

The HBL PSL 9 is expected to feature a blend of national and international cricket stars, bringing high-octane T20 action to Pakistani cricket fans. With its diverse venues and competitive teams, the tournament promises to be a memorable event for cricket enthusiasts around the world.