With the eagerly anticipated ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) reportedly set to kick off on February 17, cricket enthusiasts are keenly eyeing the weather forecast for Lahore during the winter season.
Addressing concerns about potential disruptions due to fog, Chief Meteorologist Chaudhry Aslam has assured fans that the weather is expected to be pleasant, with temperatures reaching up to 22 degrees Celsius.
The chief meteorologist also revealed that the sun is likely to make a prominent appearance, offering fans the perfect opportunity to relish the matches in beautiful weather conditions.
"There is a chance of rain in the coming month but it will not be heavy, minimising the risk of match interruptions," he told Geo News.
"Additionally, as February progresses, the temperature is expected to improve, leading to a significant reduction in fog, providing a clearer view for spectators," he added.
Addressing another concern, the chief meteorologist stated that air pollution levels are anticipated to decrease considerably in February. Despite the positive forecast, cricket fans are still encouraged to wear masks when attending the stadium, promoting a safer and healthier environment.
It must be noted that season nine of the PSL will begin next month with Lahore Qalandars set to defend their title.
The league will be played from February 17 to March 17, 2024, across four cities: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan.
Karachi will host 11 matches, followed by Lahore and Rawalpindi, each hosting 9 games, and five matches taking place in Multan.
According to a local cricket website, here is the likely schedule for PSL 9.
Proposed schedule for PSL 9
Feb 17: Qalandars vs United in Lahore
Feb 18: Gladiators vs Zalmi in Lahore and Sultans vs Kings in Multan
Feb 19: Qalandars vs Gladiators in Lahore
Feb 20: Sultans vs United in Multan
Feb 21: Zalmi vs Kings in Lahore and Sultans vs Qalandars in Multan
Feb 22: Gladiators vs United in Lahore
Feb 23: Sultans vs Zalmi in Multan
Feb 24: Qalandars vs Kings in Lahore
Feb 25: Sultans vs Gladiators in Multan and Qalandars vs Zalmi in Lahore
Feb 26: Zalmi vs United in Lahore
Feb 27: Qalandars vs Sultans in Lahore
Feb 28: Kings vs United in Karachi
Feb 29: Rest day
Mar 1: Zalmi vs Qalandars and United vs Gladiators in Pindi
Mar 2: Kings vs Sultans in Karachi
Mar 3: United vs Zalmi in Pindi
Mar 4: Kings vs Gladiators in Karachi
Mar 5: Zalmi vs Sultans in Pindi
Mar 6: United vs Qalandars and Gladiators vs Kings in Pindi
Mar 7: United vs Kings in Pindi
Mar 8: Zalmi vs Gladiators in Pindi
Mar 9: Kings vs Qalandars in Karachi
Mar 10: United vs Sultans and Gladiators vs Qalandars in Pindi
Mar 11: Kings vs Zalmi in Karachi
Mar 12: Gladiators vs Sultans in Karachi
Mar 13: Rest day
Mar 14: Qualifier (Team 1 vs Team 2) and Eliminator 1 (Team 3 vs Team 4) in Karachi
Mar 15: Eliminator 2 (Eliminator winner vs Qualifer runner-up) in Karachi
Mar 16: Rest day
Mar 17: Final in Karachi