Lahore: The Pakistan Super League will run concurrently with the Indian Premier League for the third successive year, with the Pakistan Cricket Board Thursday confirming March 18 to May 2 as the window for the 12th edition of its premier T20 competition.
The PCB finalised the window after consultations with the owners and representatives of the eight franchises at a PSL governing council meeting in London September 1.
The PSL window again overlaps with the IPL, which is traditionally held around the same period. The PCB had shifted the PSL’s 2025 window from February-March because of international commitments and other events, resulting in the two leagues being played simultaneously.
The PCB said details of the schedule, venues and ticketing arrangements would be announced later.
The next phase of preparations will include direct signings, player retentions, a trade window and the player auction.
The PCB is yet to release audited financial details of the 11th edition, although there have been reports of broadcasters falling short of revenue targets and some franchises expressing dissatisfaction over their financial returns from the league.
The board also recently sold the broadcasting rights for its 25-match home international season across all three formats for Rs 350 crore, significantly below its reported initial asking price of Rs 600 crore.
The PSL switched from a player draft to an auction system last year, while two new franchises – Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindi – were added to the competition.
The two franchises were acquired for Rs 175 crore and Rs 185 crore respectively, while the Multan Sultans franchise was re-auctioned for Rs 230 crore.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the previous edition had set a high benchmark for the league.
“PSL 11 showed the world what this league is capable of – thrilling moments that had the whole nation transfixed, record crowds, record broadcasts,” he said in a PCB press release.
“PSL 12 will raise the bar further.
“We are committed to delivering another outstanding season and look forward to seeing all eight franchises compete once again for the title,” he added.
PSL chief executive Salman Naseer said the announcement marked the beginning of preparations for the next season.
“Last season changed what people expect from this league and we intend to meet every one of those expectations in 2027,” he said.
“Direct signings, retentions, the trade window and the auction will each bring their own excitement in the months ahead,” he added.
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