KARACHI: The preparation for the scheduled 22 matches of HBL Pakistan Super League 2026 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi has been finalised.
The special feature this time is that there will be no overhead roofs, as the teflon covering installed back in 2019 has been completely removed.
As a result, the iron grill structure on which the teflon sheets were laid has also been removed.
The decision to this effect was taken by the top hierarchy of the Pakistan Cricket Board in Lahore at the PCB headquarters in Gaddafi Stadium, so that spectators could see the matches under open sky. However, spectators are not allowed to attend the matches in line with the officially announced national austerity and resource conservation measures.
According to the updated schedule, 44 matches will take place over a span of 39 days, with Lahore and Karachi each hosting 22 matches. While Lahore will also host Eliminator 1, Eliminator 2 and the final, the Qualifier will be played in Karachi.
The preparations for the 22 matches in Karachi are being given final touches, and in this regard a square of 13 wickets has also been developed at the center of the ground.
Sources said that out of the 13 wickets, five are for matches, while the remaining wickets will be used for net practice.
It is expected that the wickets will be batter-friendly, providing cricket fans around the world watching the matches on television screens and mobile applications with entertaining, fast-paced and aggressive batting.
Light green grass can be seen on all the newly prepared wickets.
With the tournament shifting to a watch-from-home model, the HBL Pakistan Super League has introduced enhanced broadcast and production features aimed at delivering an even stronger viewing experience for fans across Pakistan and around the world. The league remains confident that the passion of its audience, combined with innovation in coverage, will make this edition one of the most widely watched in its history. According to sources, teflon will be reused according to future requirements and needs.
