The PCB is still deciding whether PSL 12 in 2027 will be held in February-March or April-May. Franchise owners also discussed a proposed Super Six stage.A commercial payment dispute and the impact of Pakistan’s recent results on the league.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has yet to settle the schedule for PSL 12. With franchise owners and the cricket committee discussing whether the 2027. Edition should return to its traditional February-March slot or remain in the April-May window used for the last two seasons.
PSL 10 in 2025 and PSL 11 in 2026 were both held in April and May. Overlapping with the Indian Premier League after the tournament moved away from its long-standing February-March schedule. A shift back to the earlier slot in 2027 was discussed as a way to avoid a direct clash with the IPL. Improve the chances of securing the full availability of leading overseas players.
Officials also cited cooler weather and better commercial prospects for sponsors as arguments in favour of a February-March window. At the same time, participants flagged possible complications, including overlap with other international franchise leagues and the holy month of Ramadan.
Keeping the tournament in April-May would again put the PSL in competition with the IPL for overseas talent. Officials also acknowledged the disadvantages of staging matches in intense summer heat and during school examination periods, even though some foreign players may still be available through the tournament.
Super Six plan and payment dispute discussed
The meeting also considered a proposal to add a Super Six stage to the PSL, although any move on that front remains tied to unresolved financial issues involving one of the league’s commercial stakeholders.
Officials raised concerns over the alleged non-payment of dues by a major stakeholder. PCB warned the company to clear its outstanding dues and avoid any further delays.
Franchise owners backed stricter action, saying commercial partners should face the same penalties as teams for delayed payments. The issue is expected to be resolved by Monday after weekend board meetings.
Another proposal under discussion would allow the PCB to recover outstanding commercial payments by offsetting them against a company’s franchise fee if the same company owns a team and also holds separate commercial agreements with the league.
Franchise owner criticises national team management
The meeting also turned to Pakistan’s recent international performances and their effect on the league’s image. Hyderabad Kingsmen owner Fawad Sarwar argued that the national side’s struggles were hurting the commercial value of the PSL and warned that continued poor results could deter future investment.
Sarwar also questioned the public messaging of Director of High Performance Aqib Javed and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson. He said Aqib needed media training because publicly lowering expectations and pointing to a lack of talent projected the wrong image of Pakistan cricket.
He also criticised Hesson for repeatedly referring to Pakistan’s poor recent record without setting out clear solutions. Sarwar said the current management lacked the required competence, claimed the team had developed a “habit of losing”, and called for sweeping changes including the introduction of eight or nine new players.
Separately, the PCB invited franchise owners to attend Pakistan’s upcoming Test against England at Lord’s and offered to cover their travel and accommodation costs.
