PCB struggling to find window for PSL 2025 in packed calendar

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) traditionally organises the Pakistan Super League (PSL) between January and March every year. However, it seems that the 10th edition of the tournament, which is scheduled to be held next year, will have to find a different window owing to the packed schedule of the national team.

Pakistan is scheduled to tour South Africa for a multi-format series, which will end in January 2025. The Men in Green will then travel to New Zealand for a limited-overs assignment. In February, plans have been announced for an ODI tri-series involving New Zealand and South Africa alongside Pakistan. Additionally, Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy during February and March 2025. Therefore, organising the impending the PSL in its traditional timeframe is proving to be quite challenging as per a Cricket Pakistan report.

Board members have disagreed with the proposal from franchise owners to start the league at the end of January and finish in February. They argued that the noteworthy opportunity of hosting a tri-series in Pakistan after two decades should not be missed. To add insult to injury, the third edition of the SA20 is set to get underway in January. 

The Proteas fielded a second-string side in their Test series against New Zealand earlier this year as the star players featured in the franchise league. Cricket South Africa (CSA) faced a lot of flak for prioritising their T20 tournament instead of the World Test Championship (WTC). PCB is worried about the prospect of South Africa once again sending a weakened squad for the tri-series if it clashes with SA20 2025.

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PCB willing to conduct PSL alongside IPL

PCB is aiming to start PSL 10 in April after the conclusion of the Champions Trophy. This would mean that PSL 10 and the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will run simultaneously. However, franchise owners have their apprehensions regarding this move as they feel that quality overseas players would choose to play in the IPL due to higher compensation. They feel that the quality and viewer interest, particularly among overseas audiences, will diminish if the star players in world cricket don't play in the PSL.

Some suggested that PSL 10 could be held in September 2024. However, it was dismissed due to scheduling tussles with England's tour of Pakistan in October and Pakistan's tour of Australia in November 2024.

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PSL 10 marks the end of the contract contracts and discussions to increase the number of teams in the tournament and renewing contracts with current franchises are lined up. PCB understands the importance of a successful PSL 10 and how it will help maintain the brand value of the popular tournament. Meetings to resolve these issues are expected to be held in the coming days.