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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Friday it has revised the playing conditions for the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League, allowing teams to submit two starting lineups before the toss in a bid to reduce the influence of external factors such as dew.
The change, which has been in effect since the tournament opener between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen on Thursday, amends Article 1.2 of the league’s playing conditions governing the nomination and replacement of players.
Under the updated rule, each captain may submit two different XI lineups in writing to the match referee prior to the toss. Each lineup must consist of 11 players along with up to four substitute fielders, subject to existing regulations.
Following the toss, the captain is required to select and sign one of the two submitted team sheets as the final playing XI.
“Once the final lineup has been nominated, no player listed in the selected playing eleven may be changed before the start of the match without the consent of the opposing captain,” the PCB said in a statement.
The board added that no changes to the playing XI will be permitted after the official call of play, except in the case of a concussion replacement.
The move is aimed at addressing concerns around dew, a common factor in night matches in the region, which can significantly affect conditions in the second innings and tilt the balance unfairly toward one side.
In a separate directive, the PCB also reiterated that the official nomenclature of the tournament is “HBL PSL” and advised media organizations to use the correct title consistently across coverage, including headlines and broadcast bulletins.
The latest adjustment underscores the board’s efforts to ensure competitive balance in one of the world’s leading Twenty20 leagues.
