The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering a significant shift in the scheduling of the next two editions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), aiming to sidestep conflicts with major international cricket tournaments and secure a dedicated slot in the global calendar.
According to multiple sources, PSL 11 is likely to be held between December 2025 and January 2026, while PSL 12 could follow in January–February 2027. These dates are still tentative and may change based on the evolving international schedule. The move is part of a broader PCB strategy to protect PSL’s visibility and avoid clashes with other marquee events like the Indian Premier League (IPL).
2025 clash with IPL prompts long-term rethink
The scheduling overhaul comes on the heels of complications surrounding the 2025 edition of the PSL. With Pakistan hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the league had to be postponed, pushing it into a window that overlapped with the IPL, thereby impacting viewership and logistics.
Potential eighth franchise and Peshawar return on the horizon
As part of its future plans, the PCB is also exploring the addition of an eighth franchise for the 2026 season. This expansion would mark a major milestone for the tournament, which currently consists of six teams, and reflects the board’s ambition to scale the league’s commercial and competitive reach.
In another development, Peshawar is being eyed as a host city for exhibition matches in the 2026 season. Matches could not be held there during the current season due to the “substandard condition of the stadium”, but the PCB is optimistic that infrastructure upgrades will enable the city’s inclusion moving forward.
PCB eyes dedicated global window for PSL growth
The PCB’s goal is to carve out a dedicated international window for the PSL to help it flourish without competing for attention with other high-profile cricket events. While final decisions are pending, the board is said to be “actively working on ensuring that future editions of the PSL are strategically timed” to enhance the league’s profile both domestically and globally.
As cricket’s international calendar becomes increasingly congested, especially with T20 leagues proliferating worldwide, the PCB’s proactive approach could prove crucial to ensuring the PSL’s continued growth and relevance in the global T20 ecosystem.
