Pindi proposed as venue to host PSL 10 opening ceremony

ISLAMABAD: Pindi Stadium has been proposed a venue for opening ceremony of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 with a likely match between defending champions Islamabad United and neighboring Peshawar Zalmi to set the action rolling on April 7, 2025.

One of the PSL franchise owners, who attended an important build-up to the General Council Meeting the other day, shared some of the proposals with ‘The News’, according to which Pindi Stadium never hosted any opening ceremony of the PSL in past so most probably it will be the venue to kick start the event.

“It has been proposed that the opening ceremony of the next PSL would be staged at the Pindi Stadium on April 7, 2025 followed by the opening match. The most likely opponents in the inaugural match will be defending champions taking on Peshawar Zalmi which has immense support in and around the sister cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.”

Arbab Niaz Stadium yet again will not be hosting PSL matches in 2025 owing to non-completion of the venue. “The venue would not be fully operational till start of the PSL 10 so the action will again be restricted to four venues which hosted the ninth edition matches,” he said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to take the international cricket challenges head-on, instead of shying away as they have planned to organize PSL side by side to the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“The proposal was also there to organise the league side by side with IPL with the reason that the ICC has already assured no international cricket during that period to the Indian Board. Since Pakistan players are not playing IPL, the proposal has been floated to keep the players busy and active during that period.”

According to the franchise owner, there were also suggestions that the PCB and PSL would explore ways and means to make the PSL 10 more attractive by hiring the most sought-after players who either will not be hired by IPL or don’t want to get engaged in the lengthy league in the neighbouring country.

“Besides holding play-offs at a neutral venue, the PCB officials has proposed creating some extra finances from the TV rights head to lure the most sought after cricketers -- at least one for each PSL franchise. The draft for the PSL has been proposed after the IPL draft.”

It is believed that three of the six franchise owners have accepted PCB’s proposals there and then while the rest assured getting back to the Board well before this month’s PSL Council meeting.

After the 10th edition, the PCB will have the option of including two new franchise teams in the PSL family, raising the total strength to eight, hence more action. It is believed that from 2026 and onward the PSL matches will be played on no less than six venues. “Some other exciting additions have been proposed by the PCB to make the PSL 10 more attractive. These extra attractions will be shared with the media in due course of time. The franchise representatives present in the meeting praised the PCB for extending all possible support to make the PSL 9th edition successful,” one of the owners said.