Holding the 2026 HBL Pakistan Super League Season 11 in the context of the Middle East situation was a major challenge.

From April 26 to May 3, the league, which was supposed to feature 8 teams across 6 different cities, was instead limited to just Lahore and Karachi under difficult circumstances, following decisions by the Government of Pakistan and the PCB. The tournament was held behind closed doors without spectators.

Speaking about the league in a special conversation with me on Geo News’ program “Score,” PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer said that preparations for this league had been underway for quite some time and there was great excitement. However, given the situation, difficult decisions had to be made.

Barrister Salman Naseer, who has previously handled PCB’s legal matters, said that he remained under intense stress adding that “depression” might be too small a word to describe such conditions. He further stated that there was no available window for the PSL in 2026. Therefore, it was decided to go ahead with the tournament with limited resources and without fans.

Salman Naseer said that PCB Chief Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi provided strong encouragement and boosted the team’s morale. He added that they were working very effectively for HBL PSL 2026, and expanding the event from six to eight teams was a matter of pride for everyone. The bidding process for the teams was also completed in an excellent manner.

Responding to the sale of the Sialkot team and its subsequent conversion into Multan Sultans, Salman Naseer said that the bid committee had completed its paperwork. OZee Developers provided a bank guarantee of 1.85 billion rupees. Later, whatever issues arose with their strategic partner could not move forward. However, he completely rejected the impression that there was any negligence on their part.

Responding to criticism over the PSL schedule, Salman Naseer said that he does not get intimidated by criticism, but if the facts are considered, the schedule is not made by a single individual. It involves multiple factors, including consultation with all stakeholders ,franchises, TV rights holders, sponsors, social media teams, security institutions, and other elements. Only then is the schedule finalized.

He added that they tried to make the league a double-header format, but that would have extended the duration from 44 to 60 days, which posed challenges. Therefore, to ensure each team played ten matches, some teams were scheduled to play double matches. In doing so, other factors and the appeal of matchups between teams were also taken into consideration.

When I asked Salman Naseer about the common perception that franchises have gained significant influence within the PCB and that decisions are now made according to their wishes, he smiled and said that franchises actually complain that they are not consulted enough. However, he added that the board values them highly. The PSL produces stars for them, and they aim to make it even more attractive for Pakistan cricket.

Salman Naseer further said that organizing the PSL without spectators was extremely challenging. Therefore, they expanded the franchises’ dugouts and encouraged them to bring their family members. Additionally, under existing agreements, limited hospitality boxes were provided to commercial partners during matches so they could invite their guests. In this way, some level of fan engagement was made possible.

In the Pakistan Super League, Islamabad United picked Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani in the auction; however, the fast bowler later moved to the IPL. As a result, the PCB imposed a two-year ban on him from playing in the PSL.

Commenting on this, Salman Naseer said that it is better for cricketers to honor their contracts. If that does not happen, it becomes problematic for both the league and the player. He acknowledged that there can be genuine issues, which they understand, but ultimately it is a delicate matter. He added that they seek greater transparency and good faith in such situations, as they aim to move forward collectively through mutual consultation, while ensuring the growth of both the league and the players together.