PCB Opens Direct Signings for PSL 12 and Confirms PSL Auction Date

The Pakistan Super League is set to feature 44 matches across five to six venues in its 2027 edition, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) planning to take the competition to more cities. The tournament will run from 18 March to 2 May, while preparations for squad recruitment are already under way.

The PCB opens direct signings for PSL 12 with a deadline of 23 November for all eight franchises. Each team can sign one marquee player directly, provided the player did not participate in PSL 10 or PSL 11. The PSL auction date has been set for 23 January 2027.

The expanded venue plan is a central feature of the upcoming season. PSL chief executive Salman Naseer said the move would give more cities the opportunity to host matches and bring the competition closer to supporters across the country.

“For the first time, PSL will go to five to six venues, bringing the league closer to fans across Pakistan and giving more cities the chance to host the best of T20 cricket,” Naseer said.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the board wanted to build on the attendance recorded during PSL 11.

“PSL is Pakistan cricket's biggest stage, and Season 12 will be its most ambitious yet. PSL 11 ended before a record crowd, and we are building on that momentum by taking the league to more cities than ever before,” Naqvi said.

Domestic competitions to offer recruitment opportunities

The National T20 Gold and National T20 Silver tournaments will help franchises assess domestic players ahead of the auction. Performances in these competitions could open a route into franchise cricket and give emerging players an opportunity to attract the attention of national selectors.

Several recruitment rules are still awaiting confirmation. The PCB will meet franchise representatives next week to discuss player retention deadlines, the pre-auction trade window, auction regulations and playing conditions.

Further details are expected in the coming weeks as teams prepare their recruitment plans. The PSL 12 final is scheduled for 2 May 2027.