The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is on a collision course with the Indian Premier League (IPL) once again. Despite the recent overlap between the two leagues in 2025, which resulted in significant losses for the PSL, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seems unwilling to change its approach. The 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in February and March, may force the PCB to reconsider the PSL’s schedule.
The 2026 T20 World Cup will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and the PSL may need to adjust its schedule to avoid clashing with the tournament. If the PSL sticks to its usual April-May window, it will directly compete with the IPL, which dominates the global cricket scene during this period. This overlap could lead to the PSL losing out on top spots, as many international players may prefer to participate in the more lucrative and competitive IPL.
The PSL’s struggles to attract top talent have been evident in recent years. In 2025, the league featured players who were not picked up by IPL teams, and some players, like South Africa’s Corbin Bosch, chose to opt out of the PSL to pursue IPL contracts. If the PSL clashes with the IPL again, its franchises may suffer significant losses.
The PCB has a window of opportunity to host the PSL in December and January, but it remains to be seen whether they will take advantage of this. If they fail to do so and the PSL overlaps with the IPL once again, it may be perceived as a deliberate attempt to undermine the league’s success.
Here are the key dates in Pakistan’s cricket calendar for 2025-2026:
- July-August 2025: West Indies tour (3 ODIs and 3 T20Is)
- November 2025: Home series against Sri Lanka (3 ODIs and 3 T20Is)
- December 2025 – January 2026: Domestic schedule (Pentangular Cup)
- February 2026: Home T20I series against Australia (3 matches)
- February-March 2026: ICC T20 World Cup (India and Sri Lanka)
- March 2026: Home ODI series against Australia (3 matches)
- March-April 2026: Tour of Bangladesh (2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is)
- April-May 2026: Proposed window for PSL 11 (final decision pending)
- April-May 2026: Zimbabwe’s tour of Pakistan (3 ODIs and 3 T20Is – may be rescheduled)
The PCB’s decision on the PSL’s schedule will have significant implications for the league’s success and the future of Pakistan cricket.