PCB Announces PSL 12 Schedule, Auction Set for January 23

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the schedule for HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 12, allowing all eight franchises to directly sign players ahead of the auction on January 23, 2027.

According to the PCB, the tournament will run from March 18 to May 2, 2027. It will feature 44 matches over 46 days across five to six venues.

The announcement marks the start of the player recruitment process as franchises begin preparing their squads for the 12th edition of Pakistan’s leading T20 league.

PSL 12 Direct-Signing Window Opens

The direct-signing window opened on October 23 and will remain open until November 23, 2026.

Under the rules, each franchise can directly sign one marquee player who did not play in PSL 10 or PSL 11.

The PCB will hold a workshop the following week to finalise player-retention deadlines, the pre-auction trade window, auction rules and playing conditions.

These decisions will help franchises plan their squads ahead of the January auction.

Domestic T20 Tournaments to Help Find PSL Talent

The PCB has also aligned its domestic cricket schedule with preparations for PSL 12. The National T20 Gold and National T20 Silver tournaments will serve as key platforms for identifying talented players.

Performers in these competitions will have an opportunity to enter the PSL 12 player auction and potentially earn consideration for the national team.

The move aims to strengthen the connection between domestic cricket and franchise-level competition.

PCB Chairman Shares Plans for Expanded Season

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the upcoming edition would build on the league’s recent success, with plans to hold matches in more cities.

He said the roadmap would help franchises, players, commercial partners and broadcasters prepare for the tournament with greater certainty.

PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer said expanding the competition to five or six venues would bring the league closer to fans across Pakistan and give more cities a chance to host matches.

He added that direct signings, player trades and retention decisions in the coming weeks would play an important role in shaping squads for the 2027 season.

PSL 12 Key Dates

• October 23, 2026: Direct-signing window opens

• November 23, 2026: Deadline for direct signings

• January 23, 2027: Player auction

• March 18, 2027: Tournament begins

• May 2, 2027: Final

The 12th edition of the PSL will feature 40 league matches and four playoff matches, taking the total to 44 fixtures.