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When Will PSL 11 Take Place?
According to recent details, PSL 11 will face timing challenges like no other season before. The tournament is expected to be held in April or May next year, running alongside the IPL – a move that creates both opportunities and headaches for organizers. This scheduling shift is due to the ICC T20 World Cup being scheduled for February-March 2026, which means Pakistan will need to adjust the dates of its premier league. Having followed cricket scheduling for years, I’ve seen how international tournaments force domestic leagues to adapt, and this situation perfectly illustrates that challenge.
In such a case, the home series against Zimbabwe would need to be rescheduled entirely, creating a domino effect across Pakistan’s cricket calendar. Previously, there was a proposal to organize the league in December-January, but holding the tournament in such a short time while bringing in foreign players would be extremely difficult. The 10th edition taught us valuable lessons about timing, and now PSL organizers must balance player availability, weather conditions, and broadcast windows. From my observations of cricket administration, the February and March 2026 World Cup has essentially forced the league into a narrow window where it must compete for viewer attention and player talent with India’s massive IPL juggernaut.
Read more: PSL 2026 Start Date Confirmed: December Launch & 8-Team Expansion Details
Team Ownership Crisis Looms Large
Following the completion of the 10th edition, a comprehensive valuation of all six existing franchises will be carried out, with a 25% increase in franchise fees expected across the board. Last December, all teams confirmed in writing that they would retain ownership, but cracks have started to show in this unified front. However, Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen had raised concerns over financial losses, making his position the most uncertain heading into the new season. From my years covering PSL finances, I’ve seen how quickly ownership dynamics can shift when profitability becomes questionable, and Tareen’s situation exemplifies this challenge perfectly.
Since the end of the last season, Ali Tareen has remained silent, so it is unclear whether he will keep the team or participate in a new bidding process. What makes this particularly interesting is that Multan Sultans currently pay the highest annual franchise fee, exceeding 1 billion PKR – a massive financial commitment that few can sustain without clear returns. The franchises now face a critical juncture where the expected fee increase could force some owners to reconsider their investments. Having observed similar situations in other leagues, when the most expensive franchise wavers, it creates ripple effects throughout the entire ecosystem, potentially opening doors for new investors while forcing existing owners to reassess their long-term strategies.
Expansion Plans Hit Major Roadblocks
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had announced the inclusion of two new teams starting from PSL 11, but no progress has been made on that front so far. This stalled expansion represents one of the biggest challenges facing the league’s growth ambitions, and from my experience covering cricket administration, such delays often signal deeper financial or logistical complications than initially anticipated. Additionally, several other key contracts are yet to be renewed, creating a web of uncertainty that could impact the entire tournament structure. The 10-year title sponsorship deal stands as the most critical piece of this puzzle, alongside 8 different categories of ground sponsorships that need immediate attention.
What makes this situation particularly complex is how separate national and international broadcast deals must be negotiated simultaneously, while a new agreement for live streaming adds another layer of complexity to an already crowded negotiation table. Having observed similar contract renewal cycles in other leagues, the timing pressure is immense when multiple major deals expire together. The broadcast rights landscape has evolved dramatically, and streaming platforms now compete directly with traditional broadcasters, making these negotiations more intricate than ever before. PCB faces the challenge of balancing immediate revenue needs with long-term strategic partnerships, all while trying to accommodate two additional franchises into an ecosystem where existing contracts were designed for six teams only.
Revenue Streams Face Complete Overhaul
Last year, Pakistan’s live streaming rights were sold for nearly PKR 1.8 billion, marking a significant shift in how fans consume cricket content. The local broadcast deals brought in about PKR 6.3 billion, while international rights earned $4.6 million – numbers that showcase the domestic market’s growing value compared to global reach. Ground rights for two years were secured for around PKR 2 billion, and for TV production, PCB signed a deal worth $2.25 million annually. From my years analyzing sports broadcasting economics, these figures reveal how streaming platforms have fundamentally changed the revenue landscape, with digital rights now commanding premium valuations that rival traditional television deals.
Tenders for all these contracts will soon be issued, followed by a lengthy process that could reshape PSL’s financial foundation entirely. Currently, PCB earns around PKR 900 million through the title sponsorship alone, but this represents just one piece of a much larger revenue puzzle that’s about to be reconstructed. The timing creates both opportunity and risk – while these renegotiations could significantly boost overall revenue, the uncertainty during the tender process might affect planning for Season 11’s major changes. Having witnessed similar rights auctions in other leagues, the process often reveals surprising market dynamics where streaming rights can exceed traditional broadcast values, especially when multiple platforms compete aggressively for exclusive content that drives subscriber growth.
More Teams Mean Bigger Business Opportunities
Suppose the current format is maintained, and two new teams are added. In that case, the total number of PSL matches will increase from 34 to 54, creating a massive expansion that fundamentally changes the tournament’s scale and appeal. Consequently, the value of all commercial deals is expected to rise by approximately 30%, making this expansion potentially the most lucrative decision in PSL’s history. However, it remains undecided whether these additional franchises will be incorporated under the existing financial model or a completely new one that reflects the league’s evolved status. From my experience analyzing sports league expansions, the jump from six to eight teams creates exponential rather than linear growth in commercial opportunities, as more matches mean extended broadcast windows, increased sponsorship inventory, and greater fan engagement across multiple markets. This 54-match format would position PSL closer to international league standards, but the challenge lies in ensuring that new franchise integration doesn’t disrupt the carefully balanced economics that have sustained the current six-team structure over multiple seasons.
Critical Decisions Still Pending Behind Closed Doors
According to sources from current franchises, the PCB has not yet consulted them about the new teams, let alone any financial models that would govern their integration into the league structure. Although the dates for PSL 11 are not final, hosting the tournament in April-May next year appears likely, creating urgency around unresolved governance issues. A joint email was sent to request a meeting of the PSL Governing Council, and a response is expected after the Eid holidays, a timing that pushes critical decisions dangerously close to the tournament window. From my experience covering sports administration, when franchise owners aren’t consulted about expansion plans that directly affect their investments, it often signals deeper communication breakdowns that can derail entire seasons.
Sources indicate that concerns franchises had regarding scheduling conflicts with the IPL have eased since the 10th edition proved successful despite the overlap. However, broadcasters and rights holders maintain different opinions about the viability of running alongside India’s cricket juggernaut in 2026. While competing with IPL seems possible based on recent performance metrics, the final decision will be made in due course through the Governing Council process. The challenge lies in balancing franchise confidence with broadcast revenue optimization, especially when current stakeholders feel excluded from planning discussions that could reshape the entire league ecosystem for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will PSL Season 11 take place?
PSL 11 is expected to be held in April or May 2025, running alongside the Indian Premier League (IPL). The timing has been adjusted due to the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for February-March 2026.
How many teams will participate in PSL 11?
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced plans to include two new teams, expanding from six to eight franchises. However, no concrete progress has been made on this expansion yet.
Will there be a new title sponsor for PSL 11?
Yes, major changes, including a new title sponsor, are expected. The current title sponsorship deal and several other commercial contracts need renewal, with tenders to be issued soon.
How will adding two new teams affect the number of matches?
If two new teams are added while maintaining the current format, the total number of PSL matches will increase from 34 to 54, representing a significant expansion.
What happens to Multan Sultans’ ownership?
Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has raised concerns about financial losses and has remained silent since last season ended. It’s unclear whether he will retain the team or participate in a new bidding process.
How much will franchise fees increase?
Following the completion of 10 editions, all six existing franchises will undergo valuation, with a 25% increase in franchise fees expected.
What about the conflict with IPL scheduling?
Sources indicate that concerns about scheduling conflicts with IPL have eased after the successful 10th edition. However, broadcasters and rights holders still have different opinions about running alongside the IPL.
How will the tournament expansion affect commercial deals?
The value of all commercial deals is expected to rise by approximately 30% due to the increased number of matches and expanded tournament format.
What’s the status of broadcast and streaming rights?
Several key contracts need renewal, including separate national and international broadcast deals and a new agreement for live streaming. Last year, Pakistan’s live streaming rights were sold for nearly PKR 1.8 billion.
Have existing franchises been consulted about the changes?
According to sources from current franchises, the PCB has not yet consulted them about the new teams or any financial models. A joint email was sent requesting a Governing Council meeting, with responses expected after the Eid holidays.
