Lahore, The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the team of match officials for the upcoming ninth season of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), set to be held across four different venues from February 17 to March 18. The officials include a mix of local and international umpires with Richard Illingworth returning for his seventh PSL season.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the league’s matches will be played in Lahore and Multan from February 17 to 27, followed by Karachi and Rawalpindi from February 28 to March 12. The officials for the key matches of the tournament, including the Qualifier, two eliminators, and the final, which are scheduled to take place in Karachi from March 14 to 18, will be named later.

The elite panel for this season boasts four ICC members: Richard Illingworth, Chris Gaffaney, Ahsan Raza, and Michael Gough, joined by a team of experienced umpires. Illingworth is a seasoned HBL PSL umpire, having officiated in 48 matches, while Gough has appeared in 34. Alex Wharf and Ruchira Palliyaguruge are also returning, with Wharf having overseen 11 matches and Palliyaguruge three. Chris Gaffaney from New Zealand is set for his HBL PSL debut in a match between Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings.

The seasoned Roshan Mahanama will lead the match referees, marking his ninth consecutive year with the HBL PSL, having previously officiated 97 matches. He is joined by Ali Naqvi and Muhammad Javed to complete the team of match referees.

The season opener will see the Lahore Qalandars defending their title against Islamabad United, with the on-field officiating being led by Aleem Dar and Michael Gough. Tariq Rasheed will act as the TV Umpire and Shozab Raza as the reserve umpire, with Muhammad Javed fulfilling the role of the match referee for the inaugural match.