IPL-PSL may clash again

IPL-PSL: The two arch-rivals India and Pakistan were embroiled in a conflict in May over the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir and its aftermath. This has further soured their cricketing relations. India and Pakistan have not been playing bilateral series for a long time. This incident has raised concerns about both countries being seen in the same group in global tournaments as well. Meanwhile, next year, the franchise tournaments of the two countries, IPL and PSL, may clash.

However, this year too, the windows of both tournaments were scheduled at the same time, focusing on the ICC Champions Trophy. As a result, PSL was worried about getting foreign cricketers. There have even been incidents of cricketers being snatched away to play in the IPL even after being contracted by Pakistani franchises. Several Pakistani media outlets have reported that the IPL-PSL season may be held at the same time in 2026.

Usually, the PSL season is being held in February-March of the year. But at the same time, according to the hybrid model, the Champions Trophy was held in Pakistan and Dubai this year, so the PSL window was postponed. As a result, the tournament was held in April-May. The eighteenth edition of the IPL was held at the same time. Similarly, next year too, these franchise tournaments will have to change their schedule for the ICC T20 World Cup. This global tournament will be held in India and Sri Lanka in February-March.

The media outlets ‘Cricket Pakistan’ and ‘Pakistan Observer’ have reported that a new schedule for PSL will have to be fixed for the T20 World Cup. The report says that a proposal has been made to hold the next PSL in December-January. However, there are some complications in that time. At that time, the PCB’s domestic tournament, the Pentangular Cup, will be held, where several star cricketers of the PSL will play.

This is the 10th edition of PSL. There are several changes possible from the 11th edition of the tournament, including increasing the franchises and matches. The report said that PSL could be held in April-May in 2026 as well. The franchise owners have reportedly sent a request to the PSL Governing Council regarding this. However, a decision may be made after the ongoing Eid-ul-Azha holidays.

Pakistan Observer says that earlier this year, PSL CEO Salman Nasser had announced that the tournament would start its journey with a new commercial entity. In addition, two new teams may join the PSL along with the existing six franchises, where the franchises’ participation fees will also be increased by up to 25 percent. However, after that announcement, the franchises have been somewhat silent, and some have expressed dissatisfaction. The franchises currently have to pay an annual fee of 1 billion Pakistani rupees.