PSL 2026: Schedule, Teams, Squads and Live Updates
PSL 2026, officially HBL PSL 11, was the most transformative season in Pakistan Super League history: eight franchises, a first-ever player auction and a final that crowned Peshawar Zalmi champions. As reported on 15 October 2026, the tournament ran from 26 March to 3 May 2026 and reshaped the league’s structure for years to come.
The PSL 2026 expansion brought two new franchises into the fold and replaced the traditional draft with an open auction — a bold move that produced record prices for Pakistan’s biggest stars.
PSL 2026 Teams and the Historic Expansion
the league featured eight teams: the established six — Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans — plus two newcomers, the Hyderabad Kingsmen and the Sialkot Stallionz, confirmed by the PCB as the league’s new franchise markets in January 2026. The expansion grew the season to 44 matches, the biggest the tournament programme ever played.
The home grounds spanned the country: Islamabad United at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Karachi Kings at the National Stadium Karachi, Lahore Qalandars at Gaddafi Stadium, Peshawar Zalmi at Arbab Niaz Stadium, Quetta Gladiators at Bugti Stadium, Multan Sultans at Multan Cricket Stadium, and the new sides based at Niaz Stadium Hyderabad and Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad.
The Auction: Record Prices and Big Signings
The the competition auction was historic because the league moved away from its traditional draft system. A total of 103 players were sold at the first auction, with the eight franchises assembling squads containing 141 players. Rawalpindi’s Naseem Shah received the highest auction price at PKR 8.65 crore, while New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell was the most expensive overseas player at PKR 8.05 crore.
Captains reflected the new era: Babar Azam led Peshawar Zalmi, Shadab Khan captained Islamabad United, Marnus Labuschagne led the Hyderabad Kingsmen, David Warner featured for Karachi Kings, while Lahore Qalandars were led by Shaheen Afridi.
Schedule and Playoff Results
The HBL PSL 11 playoffs delivered high drama. In Qualifier 1 on 28 April, Peshawar Zalmi beat Islamabad United by 70 runs. In the Eliminator on 29 April, the Hyderabad Kingsmen beat Multan Sultans by 8 wickets. The Kingsmen then defeated Islamabad United by 2 runs in Eliminator 2 on 1 May to reach the final.
The the league final, played on 3 May 2026 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, saw Peshawar Zalmi beat the Hyderabad Kingsmen by 5 wickets to lift the trophy — a fitting climax to the expanded season.
Venues That Hosted the Expanded Season
Eight home grounds shared the 44-match programme, giving fans from Karachi to Peshawar a taste of live action. The National Stadium in Karachi and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore handled the biggest crowds and the playoff stage, while Multan, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, Hyderabad and Faisalabad all hosted league-stage fixtures. The two new franchises brought top-level cricket to Niaz Stadium and Iqbal Stadium, and both grounds reported strong attendances for their home games.
Records and Milestones from the Season
The auction itself made history: 103 players sold and 141 contracted across eight squads, with Naseem Shah’s PKR 8.65 crore price the highest ever paid for a local player. On the field, Babar Azam’s leadership of the title-winning side added another captaincy honour to his resume, while the Qualifier’s 70-run margin and the Eliminator’s 2-run finish ranked among the most dramatic playoff results in league history.
For related coverage see our the tournament players list and the Pakistan cricket team 2026 squads guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the competition?
Peshawar Zalmi won HBL PSL 11, beating the Hyderabad Kingsmen by 5 wickets in the final on 3 May 2026 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
When was the league played?
the tournament (HBL PSL 11) ran from 26 March to 3 May 2026, with 44 matches across Pakistan’s major venues.
Which were the new teams in the competition?
The Hyderabad Kingsmen and Sialkot Stallionz joined HBL PSL 11 as the two expansion franchises, taking the league from six to eight teams.
Who was the most expensive player at the the league auction?
Naseem Shah fetched PKR 8.65 crore, the highest price at the first-ever the tournament auction; Daryl Mitchell was the most expensive overseas signing at PKR 8.05 crore.
Who captained the champion team?
Babar Azam captained champions Peshawar Zalmi, beating Islamabad United by 70 runs in the Qualifier and the Kingsmen in the final.
Read the playoff details at InsideSport on the the competition playoffs and the season overview at India Cricket Schedule on HBL PSL 11.
Complete Guide: PSL 2026
PSL 2026 — the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League — brings T20 fever back to home stadiums. The psl 2026 schedule date window is set by the PCB around the international calendar.
When does PSL 2026 start?
The psl 2026 schedule date announcement confirms the opening ceremony, league matches and playoffs. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium traditionally hosts the final.
What are the team squads?
Psl teams squad 2026 lists emerge from the player draft, where franchises balance retentions, overseas picks and emerging talent. Draft order drama is half the fun.
How can I watch PSL live?
Psl 2026 live streaming runs on official broadcast partners’ TV and digital platforms. Evening matches at 7:30 PM PKT suit prime-time viewing.
How do I buy tickets?
Psl tickets 2026 online sales open weeks before the season on the official ticketing platform. Premium enclosures sell out fastest — book early.
The draft explained
PSL 2026 squads are built through the player draft with platinum, diamond, gold and silver categories. Draft-day trades and retentions shape PSL 2026 title odds before a ball is bowled.
Emerging players
Each PSL 2026 franchise must field emerging talent, and the tournament has launched many Pakistan careers. Watching PSL 2026 emerging picks is watching the national team’s future.
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