PCB hosts strategy meeting with PSL franchises to shape league’s direction
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) stakeholders held a virtual meeting on November 4, 2025, to discuss the future roadmap of the league, including structural changes, commercial planning, and franchise valuations. According to an official PCB press release, the session was attended by PSL officials and representatives of all existing franchises.
During the meeting, PSL CEO Salman Naseer briefed stakeholders on the updated valuation process being undertaken for each franchise. Player acquisition mechanisms, the 2026 tournament window, and potential adjustments to the league format were also discussed.
Super 6 format rejected following franchise pushback
While the PCB had proposed a shift to a new “Super 6” structure for PSL 11—modeled after certain ICC tournament formats—the idea did not gain traction among the teams.
According to a report by Express Tribune’s Saleem Khaliq, the proposal was met with unanimous resistance from franchise owners, who cited concerns about diminishing fan engagement, especially in markets where teams might be eliminated early.
The proposed format would have seen all eight teams play a shortened round-robin stage, with the bottom two teams eliminated. The top six would have advanced to a second round before the playoffs. The aim was to reduce the total number of matches and compress the calendar due to scheduling conflicts, including the ICC World Cup.
However, with stakeholders opposing the move, the PCB has opted to retain the traditional format for now. PSL 11 is still expected to feature between 35 and 44 matches, with each team playing at least once against every other side.
Traditional format likely to stay—at least for now
Though the “Super 6” model was tabled as a long-term vision for a more competitive structure, franchise officials were unified in their belief that the existing round-robin system remains more suitable for a city-based league like the PSL.
Major format changes may still be revisited in the future, particularly after league expansion takes effect. For the moment, however, the 2026 edition of the PSL will proceed with the structure fans have grown familiar with—delivering high-stakes matches across multiple venues in Pakistan.
Other developments
According to the Express Tribune, former Director of International Cricket Usman Wahla has returned after his suspension and was in attendance.
Separately, the teams were officially informed about expansion plans, with two teams slated to join the PSL as of the 2026 season.
