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The Pakistan Super League (PSL) could see a major change next year, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and all eight franchise owners discussing the idea of moving the tournament to January.
The proposal that was suggested by Walee Technologies, the Pakistan Super League media rights holder, was reportedly discussed at the PSL Governing Council meeting held in London on September 1. The main reason behind the discussion is the advertising market in April and May. Amid this, Fatima Sana slams batters after a humiliating loss against India.
PSL could move to January as PCB, owners discuss big plan
The April-May window comes after Ramazan, when many companies have already used a big part of their marketing and TV advertising budgets. This has raised concerns about the money that can be made from the Pakistan Super League during this window.
The franchise owners are also worried about their broadcast revenue. Under the current PSL agreement, the eight teams receive 95% of the broadcast revenue from the central revenue pool. Owners want to be sure that they will receive their full share, no matter when the PSL is played.
There are also concerns about Walee Technologies’ advertising budget after the TV rights have not produced the expected financial returns. Walee Technologies has the PSL’s broadcast and digital rights in Pakistan until 2029, and they are also the owner of the Rawalpindiz team.
PSL likely to face new player availability problem
The Pakistan Super League was played in the February-March window from 2016 to 2024. It was moved to April and May in the last two seasons because of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and the ICC T20 World Cup this year.
The scheduling to stage the PSL alongside the IPL gave the league one advantage. Players were available for the tournament without the problems seen in earlier seasons because of the IPL.
But if the PCB moves the PSL back to the January and February window, it could bring that problem again. The PSL would then compete with the SA20 and Big Bash League (BBL) for overseas players. Amid this, Wahab Riaz hits back at Sana Mir over Pakistan Women’s team shake-up.
Cold weather is set to be another challenge for PSL
The PCB could also face problems with the weather. January and February are very cold in Punjab, where Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi are three of the four regular PSL venues. Temperatures can drop to single digits at night, while heavy fog can also affect visibility.
However, this issue can be solved if the tournament begins in Karachi, where the weather is better during winter, and then moves to Punjab and Peshawar as the weather becomes warmer.
Pakistan already has a buy window from mid-November to March. The team will host Sri Lanka and England in October and November before playing two Tests against New Zealand in March. That will be Pakistan’s final assignment in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27.
PSL owners eye esports to attract young fans amid growing concerns
Esports was discussed as one possible option because of its growing popularity in Pakistan. Some franchise owners are worried that interest in the PSL could fall because of Pakistan’s poor performances. Moving into esports could help the league connect with a younger audience.
The PCB also discussed the possibility of holding a separate mid-year tournament under the current rights deal. This could give both the franchises and the broadcaster another way to earn money and keep the PSL active during the year.
