PSL 2026 to be played from March 26 to May 3 in clash with IPL
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 will take place from March 26 to May 3, 2026, as confirmed by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday. The announcement came after an auction held on January 8 in Islamabad, where rights for two new franchises were put up for sale. With these additions, the PSL will expand to an eight-team competition starting from the 2026 season. Compared to PSL 2025 (PSL X), which ran from April 11 to May 25 — including a pause due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan — the 2026 season has been scheduled slightly earlier. However, for the second consecutive year, the PSL will clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is expected to run from March 26 to May 31. In 2025, the PSL had begun 20 days after the IPL started on March 22. The 11th edition of the PSL will be the longest in the league’s history, spanning 39 match days. This marks an extension of nearly a week compared to previous seasons, which typically lasted between 30 and 35 days. While the full schedule will be finalized once the two new teams are confirmed, the expanded format will result in a record number of matches. In preparation for this major expansion, the PCB has organized roadshows this month at Lord’s in London and recently in New York to attract potential investors and commercial partners. In a positive development for the league, the five original franchise owners have agreed to extend their ownership for another 10 years. However, uncertainty surrounds Multan Sultans, who joined the PSL as the sixth franchise in 2018 and later experienced a change in ownership. Current owner Ali Tareen has been involved in a prolonged dispute with the PSL, publicly criticizing the league over concerns related to transparency and long-term vision. He confirmed last month that he will not renew his ownership, meaning a new buyer will need to be found for a franchise that had recently been among the league’s most consistent performers. PSL 2026 will also mark the second straight season in which the tournament is largely played within the April–May window. This year, there will be a 17-day gap between the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup and the start of the PSL. Lahore Qalandars enter the season as defending champions and remain the most valuable franchise in the league. They currently pay approximately PKR 980 million (around USD 3.47 million) annually to the PCB in franchise fees.
