The Pakistan Super League (PSL) will once again overlap with the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the upcoming season, as a March to May window has been announced for the PSL in 2026. The PCB will also make international adjustments to fit into the PSL.
The Indian Premier League is undoubtedly one of the biggest franchise-level global cricket leagues in the world, and no other league in the world even comes close to its craze and stardom. However, in recent times the stature of PSL or Pakistan Super League has been rising.
PSL was launched in 2016 and since then, PSL is played all over Pakistan and UAE. This season, PSL is also including two teams in its league, the auction for which will be held on January 8.
PSL and IPL will clash in the same window
For the first nine editions of the PSL, the tournament was played in the February–March window, as this slot potentially suited both international scheduling and the availability of most overseas cricketers.
The window was pushed back due to Pakistan hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and now, for next year too, the window has been affected by the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be held in the February-March window.
With limited timing flexibility, the Pakistan Super League will now go head-to-head with the IPL. The PCB recently confirmed the window for the 11th edition of the tournament between March 26 and May 3. IPL has also been held during this window in all these years.
Pakistan’s international calendar to be revised for PSL window
The PSL was announced by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also admitted that the revised schedule would require some adjustments to Pakistan’s international calendar.
“Any international commitments of the Pakistan team will be re-adjusted during this window,” Naqvi said, mainly referring to the proposed tour of Bangladesh. The tour is scheduled in the same March-April window and is likely to include two WTC Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is.
Although they are ready to make changes to their international calendar, the PCB’s PSL officials are apparently not going to make any changes to the PSL window. This seems to be a challenge for both the leagues.
Many former IPL legends have moved to PSL this year
Many great players from the IPL have recently moved to the PSL, as they want to explore a new league and its dynamics. Former CSK and RCB batsman Faf du Plessis was one of the most high-profile names to make the switch. He was dropped from the IPL auction list and has mentioned going into the PSL draft.
Another such important name is that of former RCB and CSK all-rounder Moeen Ali. The former England all-rounder has also made the move to the PSL after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders this season.
Many other players have commented that they will have to sit on the sidelines in IPL teams and wait for some opportunities until they get some real-time action in the PSL. One of the players who made this claim was former RCB IPL player David Willey.
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