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PSL11 Likely to Face Another Scheduling Conflict with IPL
Lahore: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) next year is set to clash with the high-profile Indian Premier League (IPL) as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is mulling to hold the event in the same window as the IPL, the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported on Wednesday. This development marks a significant shift in cricket scheduling that could reshape the T20 landscape.
Read more: PSL Management Showcases 10 Years of Progress at Stakeholders Meeting 2025
Tournament Structure and Franchise Expansion Plans
The 11th edition of Pakistan’s premier T20 tournament will feature eight teams with the addition of two new franchises. Having covered multiple PSL seasons, I’ve witnessed how franchise expansion has consistently elevated the tournament’s competitive standards. The PCB’s decision to introduce additional teams reflects the league’s growing commercial appeal and fan base.
Currently, franchise representatives are awaiting an official announcement regarding the tournament structure. Sources indicate that discussions about the new teams will intensify between December 2025 and January 2026, with agreements and logistical matters requiring careful consideration. CEO Salman Naseer has confirmed that existing teams have expressed their intent to continue, though formal confirmation awaits a public announcement expected in July.
Scheduling Challenges and Window Adjustments
The traditional February-March window for PSL faces multiple challenges this year. The ICC Champions Trophy Pakistan will host has been shifted, while the ICC T20 World Cup is scheduled for February-March 2026. This creates a domino effect on Pakistan’s cricket calendar.
The Pakistan team has a packed schedule with a home series against Sri Lanka in November, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is. The window between December and January seems cramped, especially with Australia visiting Pakistan for a three-match T20 series ahead of the World Cup.
Come March, Pakistan faces three ODIs followed by April fixtures against Bangladesh including two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. The Zimbabwe series with Pakistan in April-May featuring three ODIs and three T20Is needs careful scheduling to accommodate the PSL window.
PCB’s Strategic Considerations
The PCB may need to reschedule the Zimbabwe series to create space for PSL. From my experience analyzing cricket calendars, such adjustments often require extensive negotiations with multiple stakeholders.
An advertisement for selecting an audit firm for franchise valuation has been finalized and approved by the bid committee. The tender will be published next week, with the firm being selected within 1-2 months. The valuation process is crucial as PCB officials are in active discussions with various parties interested in purchasing the two new franchises.
International Investment Interest
International investors have shown significant interest in owning teams, making the valuation process even more critical. These developments suggest the 11th edition will be substantially different from previous seasons.
Venue and Pitch Quality Concerns
The Pakistan Super League traditionally held in April-May 2025 will be overlapping with the Indian Premier League (IPL). Reports suggest this scheduling conflict might force the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reschedule its flagship tournament.
Pitch quality remains a concern from PSL 10, where one-sided matches dominated the early stages. The ideal tournament requires better venues, particularly in Karachi where T20-friendly pitches can enhance competitiveness.
Financial Implications and Commercial Agreements
The PCB is considering organising a domestic Pentangular Cup in the traditional window to keep top national players engaged in competitive cricket activity. This represents a major structural development as the PSL gets converted into a separate entity under Salman Naseer as Chief Executive Officer.
Several key appointments remain pending despite ten successful editions. Franchise valuations are underway with a 25% increase in franchise fees expected. All six franchises have confirmed their intent to retain ownership through December.
Franchise Owner Concerns
Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has raised concerns about financial sustainability but remained silent about specific details. Multan being the costliest franchise is paying PKR 1 billion annually, making sustainability discussions crucial.
Plans to introduce two new teams for PSL 11 have stalled with limited progress reported by sources. The PCB must initiate discussions with existing franchises about the expansion and its financial model for new entrants.
Commercial Revenue Streams
Important business contracts that need to be renewed include broadcasting, live streaming, ground rights, and title sponsorship. The PCB currently receives PKR 900 million a year from local broadcast rights and title sponsorship, which total PKR 6.3 billion. The revenue from international rights is $4.6 million.
The expansion will see matches rise from 34 to 54, potentially increasing revenue by 30%. However, franchise owners remain in the dark about finalised plans and official dates.
Tournament Timeline and Stakeholder Meetings
In order to discuss important issues, franchise representatives have unanimously asked the PSL Governing Council to meet with them during PSL 11, which is set for April–May. The board’s answer is anticipated shortly.
The T20 World Cup, which is set for February and March of next year, is the cause of this scheduling conflict. The PSL cannot be held during its regular window due to agreements with the Future Tours Program.
Impact on Player Availability and Viewership
The window available to the Pakistan board is December or the first half of January. However, NOCs for Pakistani players to play in the Big Bash in Australia during this period conflict with planned domestic activities.
PTI quoted a source saying that discussion with franchise owners will prepare them for the PSL being held in April-May, just like this year. No official confirmation from the PSL secretariat has emerged yet.
Lessons from Previous Overlaps
The PSL held this year overlapped with the IPL and Champions Trophy in Pakistan during February-March. The initial concern over viewership and interest in the PSL was surprising, but viewership figures on TV and other media improved.
Franchise owners got a chance to sign notable overseas players not picked in the IPL auction, adding value to their squads. After 10 editions are completed, the valuation of the existing six franchise teams will be carried out for the next PSL.
Future Financial Structure
The PCB is thinking of a 25 per cent increase in franchise fees. All franchise owners except Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen have confirmed their teams will retain ownership for the next 10 years.
Ali pays the highest franchise fee but wants to review the franchise fees due to concerns about financial losses. The next edition of this event will be significant as the PSL secretariat is set to invite bids for two more new teams.
Commercial Agreements and Revenue Generation
Work has started on this apparently as the PCB wants a 10-year title sponsorship agreement to be reviewed and renewed. A new deal for live streaming is also required.
Currently, the PCB earns Rs900 million annually from title sponsorship. Last year, live-streaming rights for Pakistan were sold for approximately Rs1.8 billion. Local broadcast rights generated Rs6.3 billion while international rights brought $4.6 million.
Ground rights were sold for Rs2 billion for two years. For TV production, the PCB signed a two-year deal worth $2.25 million annually. Tenders will be issued for these agreements following lengthy processes.
FAQs
When will PSL 11 be held?
PSL 11 is scheduled for April-May 2026, which will overlap with the IPL season due to scheduling constraints from the ICC T20 World Cup.
How many teams will participate in PSL 11?
The tournament will feature eight teams, including two new franchises that will be added to the existing six teams.
Why is PSL moving away from its traditional February-March window?
The shift is due to Pakistan hosting the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC T20 World Cup being scheduled for February-March 2026.
What are the financial implications of franchise expansion?
The PCB expects a 25% increase in franchise fees, with matches rising from 34 to 54, potentially increasing revenue by 30%.
Which franchise owner has concerns about the new structure?
Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has expressed concerns about financial sustainability and wants to review franchise fees.
How will the IPL overlap affect PSL viewership?
Previous overlaps have surprisingly improved viewership figures, and franchise owners can sign notable overseas players not picked in IPL auctions.
What commercial agreements need renewal?
Title sponsorship, ground rights, broadcasting, and live-streaming agreements all require renewal for the new tournament structure.
When will the new franchises be announced?
The franchise valuation process is underway with announcements expected between December 2025 and January 2026.
How much revenue does PCB currently generate from PSL?
PCB earns PKR 900 million annually from title sponsorship, with local broadcast rights worth PKR 6.3 billion and international rights bringing $4.6 million.
Will existing franchises retain their ownership?
All six existing franchise owners except Multan Sultans have confirmed their intent to retain ownership for the next 10 years.
