The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the pre-season roadmap for HBL Pakistan Super League 12. The process begins with direct player signings across all eight franchises.

According to a PCB statement issued in Lahore, the player-movement calendar has been finalised. It includes the direct signing window and the player auction scheduled for January 23, 2027. PSL 12 will run from March 18 to May 2, 2027. The tournament will feature 44 matches over 46 days. Matches are expected to take place across five to six venues, bringing the competition to more cities.

Direct Signing Window Opens

The direct signing window opened on October 23 and will remain available until November 23, 2026. Each franchise can directly sign one marquee player who did not participate in PSL 10 or PSL 11. This process gives teams an early opportunity to strengthen their squads before the player auction. Franchises will also prepare for upcoming decisions involving player retentions and trades.

The PCB has confirmed that further details will be discussed during a franchise workshop next week. The meeting will address retention deadlines, the pre-auction trade window, auction rules and playing conditions. These decisions will help franchises complete their preparations ahead of the upcoming season. Additional announcements regarding the player movement process are expected in the coming weeks.

Domestic Tournaments to Support Player Selection

The PCB has also aligned its domestic cricket calendar with the PSL 12 pre-season schedule. The National T20 Gold and National T20 Silver tournaments will play an important role in identifying emerging talent.

These competitions will provide domestic players with an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities before the PSL auction. Strong performances could help players attract interest from franchise teams.

The PCB aims to create a clearer pathway between domestic cricket and professional T20 competition. Outstanding performers may also strengthen their prospects of being considered for national team selection. The approach connects domestic tournaments with franchise recruitment. It also gives emerging players a more direct opportunity to compete for places in Pakistan’s leading T20 league.

PCB Chairman Highlights Expansion Plans

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi described PSL 12 as an ambitious step for Pakistan cricket. He said the board intends to build on the momentum generated by the previous season.

Naqvi said the confirmed roadmap would give franchises, players, commercial partners and broadcasters greater certainty. He also highlighted plans to take the league to more cities than before. PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer said the tournament would reach five to six venues for the first time. He noted that the expansion would bring matches closer to fans across Pakistan.

In other news read more about PCB Aligns Domestic Cricket Schedule Ahead Of PSL 12

Naseer also stressed the importance of squad-building decisions during the coming weeks. Direct signings, trades and player retentions will shape the teams competing in March. With the dates and initial player-movement arrangements confirmed, PSL 12 preparations are now underway. The PCB is expected to release further details as the pre-season process progresses.