The Pakistan Super League will start on February 17 in Lahore, with defending champions Lahore Qalandars taking on Islamabad United in the opening match, the national cricket board said on Friday.

“The marquee event will be played in four cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi – with the final of the six-team tournament taking place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on March 18,” the PCB said in a statement on Friday.

As many as six teams would participate in the 34-match T20I tournament. Shaheen Shah Afridi, the captain of Qalandars, would be eyeing to make history by winning the title for the third time.

Karachi would host 11 matches, including the qualifier, two eliminators and the final. Lahore and Rawalpindi would each host nine matches while fans in Multan would host five matches.

The much-anticipated contest between Qalandars and Kings would be played on February 24 and March 9. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium would stage the February 24 contest while Karachi’s National Bank Stadium would see Qalandars and Kings locking horns on March 9.

Kings, Qalandars, Sultans and United would play five matches at their home ground while Zalmi would play four matches at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. Quetta Gladiators would play three matches each in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi while they would play one match at the Multan Cricket Stadium against the home side Sultans on 25 February.

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“We are thrilled to announce that the HBL Pakistan Super League’s ninth edition is set to kick off on February 17, showcasing the best of T20 cricket in four cities across Pakistan,” Zaka Ashraf, the chair of the PCB Management Committee, said.

“The decision to host the marquee event across these cities is a testament to our commitment to bring top-notch cricket to fans across the country. We believe that hosting matches in these venues not only adds to the excitement for fans but also promotes cricket at the grassroots level.”

He said the board looks forward to witnessing thrilling action and creating unforgettable moments for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.