Exclusive Pakistan Super League 9 Season: HBL PSL 2024

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) founded the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2015. The men’s Twenty20 cricket league features six city-based franchise teams. Due to sponsorship reasons, the HBL PSL is also recognized as the HBL PSL. Unlike other leagues, the PSL operates as a single entity where investors own and control each franchise.

Each team plays its group stage matches in a double round-robin format, and the top four teams with the most points advance to the playoffs, culminating in the final. There have been eight seasons in the league. The title has been won only twice by Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars, who are the two most successful teams. The current champions, the Lahore Qalandars, are the only team to successfully defend their title after winning in the 2023 season.

History of Pakistan Super League

The PSL was officially announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in September 2015. Former captains of the Pakistani national team, Wasim Akram and Rameez Raja, agreed to serve as three-year PSL brand ambassadors. 

The league officially launched on February 4, 2016, in the United Arab Emirates after several years of planning and two previous failed attempts. Sports Minister Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan presided over the opening ceremony. The first two seasons included five teams based on the capital cities of Pakistan’s provinces and the federal capital. The PSL had a higher percentage of international players during its inaugural season. The league recruits players through a draft system, similar to that used in many North American professional sports leagues, rather than an auction system, as used in some other T20 leagues.

3Di unveiled the official logo of the PSL at a ceremony in Lahore on September 20, 2015. Current and former cricketers, along with Pakistani celebrities, attended the ceremony.

In December 2015, they sold the commercial rights to the initial franchises for $93 million over ten years.

Pakistan Super League, Season 9, 2024

The 2024 Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL 9 for sponsorship reasons) will be the 9th season of the Pakistan Super League. The organizers have scheduled the season to take place across four cities in Pakistan from February 17 to March 18, 2024.

Venues for Pakistan Super League 9, 2024

Pakistan Super League 9 will hold all matches in Pakistan, and fans eagerly await the PSL. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the opening match of PSL 9, while Karachi Stadium will be the venue for the playoff and final matches.

The capacity of Stadiums for Pakistan Super League matches

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore seats 27,000, the Multan Cricket Stadium seats 30,000, the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi seats 32,000, and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium seats 15,000 for PSL fans.

Umpires for Pakistan Super League 9 matches

On February 12, 2024, the PCB released the list of officials for league-stage matches, which included four members of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires. The list is as follows;

Abdul Moqeet, Ahsan Raza, Aleem Dar, Alex Wharf, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Afridi, Chris Gaffaney, Imran Jawed, Michael Gough, Mohammad Asif, Nasir Hussain, Rashid Riaz, Richard Illingworth, Ruchira Palliyaguruge, Shozab Raza, and Tariq Rasheed

Referees

The list of referees for the Pakistan Super League 9 season is as follows:

Ali Naqvi, Muhammad Javed, and Roshan Mahanama

Artists who will perform at the opening ceremony of PSL 9

The Pakistan Super League’s opening ceremony will take place on February 17 at 6:30 PM at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The cricket fan circle begins at 03:30 p.m.

The PSL 9 anthem has been released.

During the opening ceremony, vocalists Ali Zafar, Aima Baig, Arif Lohar, and Noori will perform. During the opening ceremony, the organizers suggested fireworks and a laser show.

Chairman PCB Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi‘s Statement

“It gives me great pleasure to announce that the HBL PSL is entering its ninth season, and I am proud to say that the PSL remains a success story for Pakistan cricket.

“Today, as we unveil the Orion trophy, we look forward to a month-long celebration of the beautiful game of cricket.”

“HBL PSL connects with the hearts of Pakistanis, who cherish every thrilling moment of the game.” The HBL PSL provides an emotional rollercoaster, whether it is towering sixes, high-intensity bowling, or spectacular catches.

“I would like to thank the Pakistan Super League’s title sponsor, HBL; their support has truly elevated the game of cricket in our country.” HBL’s commitment to the Pakistan Super League is evident in all of its successes over the last eight years.

“I would also like to thank the representatives of all six teams for being here today, and I wish everyone the best of luck this season. May the best team lift this prestigious trophy.”

Owner of Islamabad United Ali Naqvi Statement

“We are very excited about the ninth edition of the HBL PSL. Islamabad United has been one of the tournament’s most successful teams, and we hope to build on that with a big win this season.

“We had one of the best drafts in our history. I can not wait to see the team play at their home ground in Rawalpindi and win the hearts of the fans.”

Owner of Karachi Kings Salman Iqbal Statement 

“The Karachi Kings are ready to turn the tables in the HBL PSL 9 with their stunning performances. The build-up and preparation for the tournament have been excellent, and I anticipate some high-quality results.

“We have a new coach and captain for this season, which makes fans more optimistic about Karachi’s chances. A strong Karachi Kings means a strong and exciting HBL PSL, and we will show it this season.” 

Owner of Lahore Qalanders, Fawad Rana Statement

“As two-time HBL PSL champions, we are excited to complete a hat-trick of victories for the first time.”

“We have stacked up our resources this season as well, and we hope to hit the ground running in the tournament. Our fans are also gearing up to fill the stadium not only during home games in Lahore but also during away games.

“I assure them that we will work tirelessly to win the Orion Trophy in Karachi under Shaheen Shah Afridi’s capable leadership.

Owner of Multan Sultans, Ali Khan Tareen Statement

“I am filled with excitement to return to the HBL PSL. It is an exciting venture to be a part of because it puts smiles on the faces of many people. A lot has changed between this season and the previous one, and I want to ensure that the Sultans maintain consistency in their performances this year as well.

“The HBL PSL also brings a wave of happiness to the people of Pakistan.”

 “It would be fantastic to see Mohammad Rizwan and his teammates lift the glittering HBL PSL trophy.”

Owner of Peshawar Zalmi Javed Afridi Statement

“I am glad the ninth edition of the HBL PSL is finally here, and the Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi.”

“Our loyal fans wait all year for the tournament to begin, and I want my team to deliver outstanding performances. I promise you that Peshawar Zalmi will continue to play attacking cricket this year.”

“My team is hungry to prove a point on the field, and I am sure the beauty of the Orion Trophy has fueled that hunger.”

Owner of Quetta Gladiators, Nadeem Omar Statement

 Team Quetta is motivated to roar in the HBL PSL 9 as the Orion Trophy has been unveiled. We have had our fair share of struggles in recent seasons, but it is time for the Gladiators to show their fighting spirit and determination.

“We are excited to compete against all five teams and prove ourselves at all four venues.”

About the Pakistan Super League 9 Season, Trophy

Orion, a prominent constellation located near the celestial equator, is frequently associated with various mythologies and cultures. People easily identify the constellation by the three bright stars that make up Orion’s Belt.

The elegant trophy, made of pure silver and finished in white gold, exudes prestige. Each detail is plated in white gold, adding grace and symbolizing the HBL Pakistan Super League’s excellence. This marvel stands tall and proud after 900+ hours of nonstop work and 18,000 hand-placed stones.

Security Plans for Pakistan Super League 9 Season

A total of 17,176 police officers will be deployed in three districts: Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, where the matches are scheduled. Additionally, three Pakistani army companies will contribute to the event’s security.

Police personnel are distributed as follows: 6,936 in Lahore, 5,700 in Multan, and 4,538 in Rawalpindi. The police force will work with other districts to manage traffic flow in host cities.

To conduct aerial surveillance of PSL routes, helicopters will be utilized, while Safe Cities cameras will enable 24-hour monitoring. Additionally, extra cameras will be installed along cricket teams’ routes and in stadiums.

The security plan also includes the deployment of mobile command vans and camera-equipped drones. Additionally, 20 Dolphin and 20 Elite Force teams will patrol the routes. The PSL cricket teams will be considered state guests, ensuring their safety and security during the tournament.

Startup Pakistans Message about Pakistan Super League

The CEO, Managing Director, and the Startup Pakistans team will continue to provide services for the promotion of sports in Pakistan. Team Startup Pakistans congratulate and best wishes to all international players competing in the Pakistan Super League 9 season.

Conclusion

The entire Pakistani nation is excited for the start of the Pakistan Super League 9 season, and as always, the nation is rallying behind the PSL teams.

Author

This article is written and researched by Mujeeb UR Rehman, a Certified Marketing and Communications Professional from IBMI Berlin, Germany.