PCB Reveals PSL 11 Timeline During High-Profile New York Roadshow

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has ended speculation surrounding the Pakistan Super League schedule by confirming that the tournament’s 11th edition will begin on March 26 and run until May 3 next year. The announcement brings clarity after weeks of uncertainty over the league’s window.

The announcement came during a PSL roadshow in New York, where the league was pitched directly to international investors. The setting mattered, so did the timing. With interest growing beyond South Asia, the PCB chose to spell out its plans in clear terms.

The discussion featured several familiar faces from the current national setup. Shan Masood, Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, and Abrar Ahmed were all part of the session. Former captains Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja were also on the panel, giving the event added stature.

Naqvi addressed the crowd without dressing it up. PSL 11, he said, would open on March 26, with the final scheduled for May 3.

Auction Date Shifted as Interest Builds

Naqvi also provided an update on the PSL’s expansion process, revealing that the auction for two new franchises has been rescheduled for January 8. The auction was originally planned for January 6 but was pushed back after the board decided to extend the deadline for bid submissions.

According to Naqvi, the decision was made in response to strong interest from potential investors. Groups from Europe, the United States, and the Middle East have expressed interest, prompting the PCB to allow more time for formal bids.

The submission deadline has now been extended to December 22, giving prospective buyers an additional week to complete their documentation. The board believes the move will encourage wider participation without affecting the overall momentum of the expansion.

He said, "Good luck to everyone, excited to welcome our new franchise owners to the HBL PSL family." 

Roadshows Signal Shift in Strategy

The New York event followed a successful roadshow at Lord’s in London, where the PSL attracted what the PCB described as unprecedented attention. That turnout encouraged officials to replicate the model across other global hubs.

Rather than relying solely on broadcast numbers, the board is now selling the league face-to-face. Conversations, presentations, and access to players have become part of the pitch.

Expansion Marks New Chapter

The Pakistan Super League made its debut in 2016, and the 2026 tournament will mark the league’s 11th edition, completing a decade of PSL cricket. The league expanded from five teams to six in 2018. The upcoming season will see the addition of two more teams, taking the competition to eight sides. This will be the PSL’s first major structural expansion in seven years and a landmark moment in its continued growth.

For the PCB, PSL 11 is more than another edition. It is a test of scale, confidence, and reach. With dates locked and expansion underway, the league is entering unfamiliar territory. The next few months will show how firmly it can hold its ground.