LAHORE: The 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League is set to begin on Thursday, with defending champions Lahore Qalandars facing debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium in a match to be played behind closed doors.
All eight team captains addressed a joint press conference ahead of the tournament, while squads fine-tuned preparations with training sessions at the LCCA Ground. Despite the usual buzz around the venue, players expressed disappointment over the absence of fans due to austerity measures linked to the government’s energy conservation policy.
Captains including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, David Warner, Shadab Khan, Marnus Labuschagne, Ashton Turner, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel shared optimism about a competitive season ahead.
Leading Lahore, Shaheen expressed confidence in his side’s preparation and title ambitions, aiming to secure a fourth PSL trophy. He also highlighted the league’s role in nurturing talent for Pakistan cricket.
Rizwan, captaining the newly introduced Rawalpindi Pindiz, praised the PSL’s growth since its launch and stressed the importance of patience as Pakistan rebuilds its national squad.
Babar acknowledged past bowling struggles for Peshawar Zalmi but remained hopeful of improved performances, adding that players would miss the energy of live crowds.
Debutant side Hyderabad Kingsmen, led by Labuschagne, enter the tournament with confidence, having clearly defined team roles and strategies. Meanwhile, Warner backed Karachi Kings to build on last season’s showing, and Turner described the PSL as one of the world’s top T20 leagues.
Historically, Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United have been the most successful franchises with three titles each. Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultans, Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings have each won one title.
This season also marks the addition of two new teams — Rawalpindi Pindiz and Hyderabad Kingsmen — adding fresh competition to the league.