PSL 12 May Be Held Earlier as PCB Considers New Schedule

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise owners are considering holding the 12th edition of the league earlier than usual, with January 2027 emerging as a possible window for the tournament.

Sources said consultations on the potential schedule are underway, while several proposals, including the dates for PSL 12, were discussed during a meeting of the PSL Governing Council in London.

The meeting was informed that arranging the league in January could create challenges regarding the availability of foreign players, as several countries are scheduled to play international series while other T20 leagues are also expected to be underway during the period.

Weather conditions could pose another challenge, particularly in Punjab, where severe cold and fog during January and February may affect match arrangements as well as travel conditions. These factors will therefore be considered while finalising the schedule.

Meanwhile, a proposal to organise an additional tournament around the middle of the year, apart from the regular PSL season, is also under consideration. The proposed event could provide additional revenue opportunities for franchises and broadcasters.

The final dates and complete schedule for PSL 12 will be decided after consultations among the PCB, franchises and other stakeholders. The proposal to hold the tournament in January 2027 is not yet final.

Pakistan’s national team is scheduled to play home series against Sri Lanka and England in October and November, followed by a two-Test series against New Zealand in March. The New Zealand series will also be Pakistan’s final Test assignment of the current World Test Championship cycle.

In view of the international calendar, officials are considering using the available window from mid-November through March for the next PSL season.

The first nine editions of the PSL were held during February and March. However, the league schedule was shifted in the last two seasons because of a crowded international cricket calendar.

The 2025 edition was moved to April and May due to the ICC Champions Trophy, while the current season was also held during the April-May window because of the T20 World Cup. As a result, the PSL has been staged during the same period as the Indian Premier League.