PSL Confirms Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad as New Venue for PSL 11
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has officially confirmed Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad as a new venue for PSL 11, marking a major expansion for Pakistan’s biggest T20 league. With this announcement, Faisalabad becomes the fifth city set to host PSL matches in the upcoming season, alongside Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan.
The decision was finalized during a PSL Governing Council meeting held at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore. The meeting was chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and attended by representatives from all eight PSL franchises, along with senior officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and PSL management.
This move reflects PCB’s broader vision to take PSL cricket to more regions, strengthen fan engagement, and fully utilize Pakistan’s historic cricket venues.
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PSL 11 Start Date Confirmed: March 26
During the same meeting, the Governing Council also confirmed March 26 as the official start date for PSL 11. This provides clarity for franchises, broadcasters, players, and fans who were eagerly waiting for the tournament timeline.
While the start date is locked in, discussions are still ongoing regarding:
- Player retentions
- Squad building rules
- A proposed hybrid draft and auction model
The PCB is expected to finalize these details in the coming weeks to ensure transparency and competitive balance across all franchises.
Why Faisalabad? The Importance of Iqbal Stadium
Iqbal Stadium, formerly known as Lyallpur Stadium, is one of Pakistan’s most historic cricket grounds. Located in the heart of Punjab, Faisalabad has long been considered a cricket-loving city but had never hosted PSL matches before.
Key reasons behind Faisalabad’s selection:
- Strong cricket culture and fan base
- Central location in Punjab
- Recently upgraded facilities
- Proven ability to host international matches
The stadium made a successful return to ODI cricket in November 2025, hosting a three-match ODI series against South Africa. The series drew packed crowds, vibrant energy, and positive feedback from players and officials alike—clearly demonstrating Faisalabad’s readiness for PSL action.
Link with Sialkot’s New PSL Franchise
Faisalabad’s inclusion also connects closely with discussions around Sialkot’s newly introduced PSL franchise.
Earlier reports suggested that the Sialkot team was considering a “home away from home” model for its initial PSL seasons. Under this setup, Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad could host the franchise’s home matches until infrastructure development in Sialkot is fully completed.
Although the franchise has not yet made a final announcement, the idea gained momentum after franchise owner Hamza Majeed revealed that Faisalabad holds personal significance for him as a second home base.
PCB’s Long-Term Vision Already Included Faisalabad
Interestingly, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had hinted at this move earlier. Even before the auction of the new franchise was finalized, he publicly stated that Iqbal Stadium would host PSL matches in the near future.
This confirms that Faisalabad’s inclusion was part of PCB’s long-term strategic planning, rather than a last-minute decision.
At the same time, PCB remains committed to developing cricket infrastructure in Sialkot itself. Reports indicate that Jinnah Stadium Sialkot is lined up for a major upgrade, which would eventually allow the city to host PSL matches on a permanent basis.
If construction timelines extend, Faisalabad provides a ready, PSL-standard venue with recent top-level experience.
What This Means for PSL Fans
The addition of Faisalabad brings several benefits for PSL fans across Pakistan:
- More cities, more access to live PSL matches
- Reduced travel burden for fans in central Punjab
- Greater nationwide representation for the league
- Boost to local economy and tourism in Faisalabad
For local fans, this is a historic moment. Faisalabad supporters will finally get to experience the PSL atmosphere live, rather than relying only on television broadcasts.
Economic and Cricketing Impact
Hosting PSL matches is not just about cricket. It brings:
- Increased hotel bookings
- Business for local vendors
- Temporary employment opportunities
- National media exposure for the city
From a cricketing perspective, Faisalabad’s pitches have traditionally supported competitive cricket, making matches exciting for both batters and bowlers.
Final Thoughts
With PSL 11 set to begin on March 26, the confirmation of Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad as a new venue adds fresh energy to the tournament. It reflects PCB’s commitment to expanding the league’s footprint and rewarding cities that continue to support Pakistan cricket.
As final decisions on squads, drafts, and venues are rolled out, PSL 11 is shaping up to be one of the most inclusive and exciting editions in the league’s history.
FAQs – PSL 11 Faisalabad Venue
Q1: Is Faisalabad officially confirmed as a PSL 11 venue?
Yes, Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad has been officially approved as a PSL 11 venue.
Q2: When will PSL 11 start?
PSL 11 will begin on March 26.
Q3: Will Sialkot’s PSL team play home matches in Faisalabad?
It is under discussion, but no final confirmation has been issued yet.
Q4: Has Iqbal Stadium hosted international matches recently?
Yes, it hosted an ODI series against South Africa in November 2025.
Q5: Will Sialkot get its own PSL venue in the future?
Yes, Jinnah Stadium Sialkot is expected to undergo major upgrades.
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