[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]The matches of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 are set to unfold in four key cities, namely Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, as reported on Sunday. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed these host cities for the eagerly anticipated league, which will witness the participation of over 450 international players alongside numerous home-grown talents.
As per the proposed schedule released by the national cricketing body, the inaugural match is scheduled for February 19 in Lahore. However, franchises have raised concerns about the cold weather and potential fog, which could pose challenges for teams in terms of stay, training, and gameplay.
Read more : Heres How Much Islamabad United Paid To Secure Naseem Shah in PSL 9
Peshawar Zalmi has been persistently urging the PCB to include Peshawar as a venue, assuring that the remaining work on the stadium will be completed within two months. Despite these assurances, the PCB has not made a final decision on adding Peshawar to the list of host cities.
Another issue raised by franchises pertains to the proposed final slated for Karachi on March 19. Teams are apprehensive that the crowd attendance may not reach full capacity, affecting ticket revenue. Multan Sultans, the winners of the 2021 PSL, suggested a potential solution by offering to host the final at the Multan Cricket Stadium, expressing confidence in attracting a sufficient audience.
The official schedule for PSL 9, along with the draft, is set to be announced on December 13. The PCB recently revealed the list of retained players by all six franchises, showcasing notable names that were not retained by their respective teams.
Islamabad had the first pick in the Platinum category, which they traded with Quetta in exchange for the sought-after pacer Naseem Shah, along with two players, Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Wasim Junior. Quetta continued the trade process by bringing back Rilee Russouw in a swap deal with Multan, where Iftikhar Ahmed, along with the first pick in Platinum, moved to the 2021 PSL winners. Multan now holds the first pick in both the Platinum and Silver rounds.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
