The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has announced the pre-season schedule for its 12th edition, with direct player signings opening on October 23 for all eight franchises.
HBL PSL 12 will be held from March 18 to May 2, 2027, featuring 44 matches over 46 days across five to six venues, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The player auction is scheduled for January 23, 2027, while franchises have until November 23, 2026, to complete their direct signings. Under the new rules, each franchise can directly sign one marquee player who did not participate in PSL 10 or PSL 11.
A franchise workshop will take place next week to discuss player-retention deadlines, the pre-auction trade window, auction regulations and playing conditions.
The PCB has also aligned its domestic cricket calendar with the PSL’s pre-season preparations. The National T20 Gold and National T20 Silver tournaments will serve as key platforms for identifying talent ahead of the player auction, providing standout domestic performers with a pathway into franchise cricket and potential national-team selection.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the 12th edition would be the league’s most ambitious season yet, building on the momentum of PSL 11 and expanding its reach to more cities.
He said the announced roadmap would provide franchises, players, commercial partners and broadcasters with greater certainty to prepare for the tournament.
PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer said the league would visit five to six venues for the first time, bringing top-level T20 cricket closer to fans in more parts of the country.
He added that the process of assembling squads had begun, with direct signings, trades and retention decisions expected to shape the competing teams ahead of the March start.
The PCB said further details about the tournament and its preparations would be announced in the coming weeks. HBL PSL 12 will begin on March 18, 2027, with the final scheduled for May 2.