PSL 2026 to clash with IPL schedule: Details here
What's the story
The 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) will take place between March 26 and May 3. The announcement was made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi during a PSL roadshow in New York on Sunday. Notably, the impending PSL will overlap with the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the second consecutive season, forcing adjustments to Pakistan's international cricket calendar.
Schedule adjustments
PCB to adjust international commitments during PSL
Naqvi confirmed that Pakistan's international commitments during the PSL window would be adjusted. This includes a proposed tour of Bangladesh in March-April, which would have featured two ICC World Test Championship (WTC) matches, three ODIs, and three T20Is. Usually, the IPL starts in the last week of March and runs until the end of May.
Franchise expansion
PSL 2026 to feature two new franchises
The PSL will expand from six to eight teams for the 2026 season. The PCB has shortlisted Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit as potential hosts. Franchise auctions are scheduled for January 8, 2026. Lahore Qalandars are the PSL defending champions, having defeated Quetta Gladiators by six wickets in the final at Gaddafi Stadium.