Everything you need to know about PSL 2018

DUBAI: The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) is returning to UAE this Thursday, February 22. Peshawar Zalmi, PSL 2017 winners, kick-off the 2018 edition playing against newbies Multan Sultans, coached by former left-arm great Wasim Akram.

Due to security concerns, the franchise Twenty20 league run by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been staged in UAE since its launch in 2016. After the efficient and secure hosting of last year’s final in Lahore, this year’s edition will include two play-offs in Lahore, with the final set for Karachi on March 21. Foreign players will be paid USD 10,000 per match to be played in Pakistan.

The lucrative cricket extravaganza includes leading Pakistan national cricketers, established international players, and an emerging player in each of the team’s starting XI. Some of the international players taking part in the tournament: Brendan McCullum (Lahore Qalandars), Dwayne Bravo (Peshawar Zalmi), Kevin Pietersen (Quetta Gladiators), Kumar Sangakkara (Multan Sultans), and Andre Russell (Islamabad United). 29-year-old Andre Russell will be returning after his doping ban and forms part of a group of West Indian players who will be featuring in PSL rather than their nation’s 2019 World Cup qualifiers.

The players were picked in the Platinum Round, Diamond Round, Gold Round, Silver Round (two), Emerging Players Round (two) and the Supplementary Player Round (four).

Player Salaries:

Platinum category: $140,000-230,000

Diamond category: $75,000-80,000

Gold category: $50,000-60,000

Silver category: $22,000-33,000

Emerging category: $10,000-12,000

A “global pass” that entitles the bearer to unlimited visits to matches at Dubai International Stadium, is available. These cost around Rs 8780/- for general admission seats, Rs 15250/- for international, and Rs 30350/- for premium seats.

According to a press release by the franchise, the PSL 2018 trophy will be unveiled at the Dubai Stadium on Tuesday. Captains of all six teams will unveil the trophy together at the Feb 20 ceremony. A press conference is scheduled to begin at 2:30 pm right after the unveiling.

PSL chief Najam Sethi along with Naveed Asghar, Darren Sammy, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Brendon McCullum, Misbahul Haq and Sarfraz Ahmad will address the press conference.

Tickets can be bought online at http://www.psl-t20.com, or via www.q-tickets.com/psl2018/eventslist.aspx.

Match Timings
Opening Ceremony: 8:00 pm PST
Opening match: 10:00 pm PST
Day Matches in UAE: 4:30 pm PST
Night matches in UAE: 9:00 pm PST
Pakistan match timings: TBD