PSL 2026 headed to PoK as Mohsin Naqvi escalates war with IPL

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his intent to take Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches to new venues. The chairman said that the board is also working towards introducing international cricket at the Muzaffarabad Stadium in PoK, with plans to stage PSL games at the venue.

Naqvi confirmed the dates for the 11th season of the Pakistan Super League during a roadshow in New York. He announced that PSL will be played from March 26 to May 3, 2026. The timeline creates a direct overlap with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, which is set to take place from March 15 to May 31.

PSL Set to Expand With Two New Franchises; Team Auction Scheduled for January 8

The Pakistan Super League schedule was changed last season because Pakistan hosted the 2025 Champions Trophy between February and March. Notably, the upcoming edition of the league is expected to be the longest so far. It will run for 39 playing days.

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The PSL is also set to expand in the next season. Two new franchises will be added, taking the total number of teams to eight. Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the auction for the two new teams will be held on January 8.

Among the current teams, Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars remain the most successful sides in PSL history, with three titles each. The Lahore Qalandars are also the defending champions.

Mohsin Naqvi Looks to Host PSL 11 Matches in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

The PCB confirmed plans to host Pakistan Super League matches at the Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium during a special roadshow at Lord’s in London. Mohsin Naqvi said the board wants to stage PSL 11 matches in Muzaffarabad, PoK.

He added that the PCB also plans to bring international cricket to the venue in the future. The move to host major matches in the region might draw objections from India.

"We’re trying to host PSL 11 matches in Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir (actually known as PoK). International matches will also be held there," Naqvi said, as quoted by Pakistan media.

India, rightfully, continues to assert that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is an integral part of its territory. The region, including PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan, remains under Pakistan’s administration, while India maintains the Line of Control with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control with China.

IPL-PSL Schedule Clash Continues as Leagues Overlap Again in 2026

The IPL and PSL will run at the same time for the second year in a row, continuing a scheduling clash that first occurred in 2025 when the PSL was moved to the April-May window. With a full overlap now confirmed for 2026, the rivalry between the two leagues is set to intensify.

This overlap creates problems for the PSL when it comes to signing overseas players, as most international stars with IPL deals tend to choose the Indian league. As a result, the PSL faces tough competition in attracting big names throughout the season.

However, the PSL has taken a more aggressive approach to raise its global profile, including hosting a roadshow in New York. Some high-profile players, such as Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali, opted for the PSL instead of entering the IPL 2026 auction.

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