For five years, the promise has been the same: “Next year, PSL comes to Peshawar.” Well, “Next Year” has finally arrived. According to the leaked draft HBL PSL 11 schedule (2026), the PCB has officially allotted 4 matches to the Arbab Niaz Stadium.
This is massive news for KP. But before you buy your tickets, there is a catch. Here is the inside scoop on the schedule and the one hurdle left.
1. The PSL 11 Schedule: Zalmi Comes Home
If the leaked document stands, the PSL 11 leg in Peshawar will run from Feb 22 to Feb 26.
- The Match-ups:
- Peshawar Zalmi vs. Lahore Qalandars (The biggest rivalry in the league).
- Peshawar Zalmi vs. Islamabad United.
- Peshawar Zalmi vs. Quetta Gladiators.
- Peshawar Zalmi vs. Karachi Kings.
Imagine Babar Azam walking out to bat against Shaheen Afridi in a packed Arbab Niaz Stadium. The noise will be deafening. It’s the homecoming cricket needs.
2. The Stadium Status: 95% Complete
The Arbab Niaz Stadium has undergone a massive PKR 2 Billion renovation.
- The Good: The new digital scoreboard is installed, the chairs are in, and the floodlights are LED-standard (suitable for HD broadcast).
- The Bad: The media box and the VVIP corporate boxes are still receiving “final touches.”
- The Concern: The dust. The construction work around the stadium parking lot is still heavy. If it rains (which it often does in Feb), the parking area could turn into a mud bath.
3. The “Foreign Player” Security Check
This is the real hurdle. While local players are ready, the international security consultants (E.S.I.) are due to visit Peshawar next week for a final “Red Zone” audit.
- The Risk: If top-tier foreign players (like Rashid Khan or David Miller) refuse to travel to Peshawar due to insurance advice, the PCB might panic and shift the matches back to Rawalpindi.
- The Hope: Daren Sammy (Zalmi Coach) has been vocal. He basically told the PCB: “If we don’t play in Peshawar this year, we aren’t playing.” His influence might be the key to getting the green light.
Verdict
The PCB cannot afford to break this promise again. Peshawar Zalmi is the biggest brand in the league, and denying them a home crowd for a 6th year would be a PR disaster. Get ready, Peshawar. The yellow storm is coming.
Will you be traveling to Peshawar for the matches? Let me know in the comments!