PSL franchises concerned over scheduling conflicts with IPL 2025

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises expressed displeasure with the proposed timeframe for next year's T20 tournament. The franchises fear that scheduling the PSL 2025 during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season could lead to the unavailability of key players.

In a recent meeting of the Pakistan Super League cricket committee, there were discussions on improving the upcoming tenth edition of the league. Various suggestions were explored to ensure the success of the next edition, including the schedule of the T20 tournament.

The Pakistan Super League is usually held in February each year. However, Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the same time next year. As a result, the PSL 2025 has been rescheduled to April 12–May 20, overlapping with the Indian Premier League window.

Recent reports indicate that PSL teams are reluctant to schedule the tournament with IPL 2025. The franchises have opposed this scheduling conflict, stressing the importance of a separate window to attract top players. They feel key players worldwide may prioritize IPL over PSL.

Earlier, reports suggested that the PSL 2025 playoffs will be held at a neutral venue, with England being considered the likely host. The next PSL Governing Council meeting, scheduled for late May 2024, will finalize the tournament window and address any changes to playing conditions.

Islamabad United clinched victory in the PSL 2024 by defeating Multan Sultans by two wickets at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi. Islamabad secured their third PSL title under the leadership of Shadab Khan. Islamabad became the most successful team in the tournament's history.

We Liked Playing Cricket Here - Babar Azam

Pakistan players recently played a three-match T20I series against Ireland in away conditions. The visiting team suffered a disappointing loss in the series opener before making a comeback to secure victories in the remaining matches against Ireland.

The Babar Azam-led team chased down the 179-run target by six wickets with three overs to spare. Babar (75 off 42) and Rizwan (56 off 38) were instrumental in the victory. Shaheen Afridi picked up three wickets for 14 runs in four overs in the series decider.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Babar Azam lauded Pakistan bowlers for taking regular wickets despite conceding runs earlier in the match. The Pakistan skipper said that they were trying to entertain the crowd with their style of play.

"Credit to the Ireland batsmen for the first ten overs but after ten overs, our bowlers bowled well. We took wickets at the later stage and we were good in the death stage. We enjoyed a lot, we are trying to entertain the crowd, we liked playing cricket here," Babar said.

"(On his partnership with Rizwan) We have a good communication in the middle and we are playing a lot of cricket today. We talked about run rate and we were targetting some bowlers, we believed in ourselves and tried to match the run rate. We had good practice and we are now looking forward to the England series, a lot of positives for us, we executed our plans and will look to improve on some areas," he added.

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