December window proposal deemed impractical due to scheduling constraints
The 11th season of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) is once again expected to overlap with the Indian Premier League (IPL), taking place in the April-May 2025 window—similar to the 10th edition held earlier this year.
Efforts to avoid this scheduling clash by holding PSL 11 in the December-January window have faced significant hurdles. With limited preparation time and unresolved logistical issues, sources suggest the proposal is increasingly unlikely to materialize. Instead, the PCB is considering using that window for domestic tournaments like the Pentangular Cup, potentially featuring leading national players.
The PSL is traditionally held in February-March, but this year it was pushed to April-May to accommodate the ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is hosting. In 2025, the ICC T20 World Cup—scheduled for February-March—has again forced a reshuffling of PSL dates.
While a formal decision is still pending, holding the tournament during the April-May slot appears to be the most feasible option. However, this would require the rescheduling of Pakistan’s home series against Zimbabwe, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is currently planned for the same period.
PSL Expansion and Franchise Concerns
The PSL’s structural evolution is also in focus. Earlier this year, it was announced that the league would be spun off into a separate corporate entity. While Salman Naseer has taken charge as CEO of the new PSL company, no key appointments have been made in other departments so far.
Valuation of the existing six franchises is now underway, which is expected to result in a 25% increase in franchise fees. All franchises had submitted their written intent to retain ownership last December. However, uncertainty surrounds the future of the Multan Sultans, whose owner, Ali Tareen, has previously expressed concerns about financial losses. The franchise pays over PKR 1 billion annually in fees, making it the most expensive team in the league.
Although the PCB had announced plans to introduce two new teams starting from PSL 11, there has been little visible progress. Franchise representatives confirm that no discussions regarding the expansion or its financial model have taken place with the board.
Sponsorship and Broadcast Rights Under Review
With 10 seasons now complete, several key commercial agreements are up for renewal. These include the 10-year title sponsorship deal, ground sponsorships across 8–10 categories, as well as domestic and international broadcast rights. Live streaming contracts will also be renegotiated.
Currently, the PCB earns roughly PKR 900 million annually from title sponsorship alone. Last season, live streaming rights fetched around PKR 1.8 billion, while local broadcast rights brought in PKR 6.3 billion. International rights generated $4.6 million, and ground sponsorships were sold for around PKR 2 billion over two years. TV production rights were secured under a two-year deal worth $2.25 million annually.
If two new teams are added, the number of PSL matches would rise from 34 to 54, and the value of all associated deals is projected to increase by roughly 30%. Whether these new franchises will operate under the existing financial model or a revised one is still undecided.
Future Planning in Progress
The final dates for PSL 11 have not been confirmed. Franchises recently sent a joint email requesting a meeting of the PSL Governing Council to address key league issues. A response is expected soon.
Pakistan’s cricket calendar is already packed. A home series against Sri Lanka is scheduled for November, followed by domestic events in December and January. Australia is set to tour in February for T20Is, followed by the T20 World Cup. In March, Australia returns for ODIs, and Pakistan will tour Bangladesh for a full series at the end of March and April.
Despite scheduling conflicts, franchise concerns about overlapping with the IPL have reportedly eased following PSL 10. However, broadcasters and rights holders still hold differing views. A final decision regarding the dates for PSL 11 will be made in due course, taking into account the broader international and domestic cricket commitments.
