The ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) kicks off today, with a thrilling match between the reigning champions, Lahore Qalandars, and Islamabad United. The match is set to take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Shaheen Afridi will lead the Lahore Qalandars, while Shadab Khan will captain Islamabad United.

The two teams have faced each other 17 times in the past, with Islamabad United winning 9 of those encounters.

However, since 2021, Lahore Qalandars have been in the driver’s seat, winning all five matches against Islamabad United.

The PSL 9 is scheduled to be hosted in four cities: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi. The grand finale will be held at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on March 18.

The first leg of the tournament will see 14 matches played at the Multan Cricket Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from February 17 to 27.

The second leg will shift to Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, hosting 16 matches from February 28 to March 12. The playoffs will then take place entirely in Karachi.

Teams such as the Kings, Qalandars, Sultans, and United are slated to play five matches each at their home grounds. Peshawar Zalmi will play four matches at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.

Quetta Gladiators have a unique schedule, with three matches each in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, and one match at the Multan Cricket Stadium against the home team, the Sultans, on February 25.