ICC T20 World Cup’s February-March window is once again likely to have a new PSL season with IPL 2026

Another nightmare incoming for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises? The PSL is staring at another scheduling headache in 2026 as the ICC T20 World Cup, set to be held in February-March in India and Sri Lanka, is likely to force the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to shift its traditional window. Just like this year, the PSL may once again be forced into an April-May slot. It is the exact period when the IPL dominates global cricket.

This year’s clash was triggered by the Champions Trophy’s scheduling in February-March. As a result, the PSL was pushed back to overlap with IPL 2025. That move hurt Pakistan cricket commercially and competitively, as several foreign players chose IPL contracts over PSL opportunities. The reasons were obvious. The IPL offers far more money, massive global exposure, and a stage where the world’s best compete.

IPL vs PSL…. again

According to CricketPakistan, there was a proposal to host PSL 11 in December-January; the plan seems off the table due to unresolved logistical and operational challenges. That window may instead be used for domestic tournaments like the One-Day Pentangular Cup. In that 50-over series, all the top Pakistani stars play, just like they did last year, too.

The PCB is under pressure as broadcasters and sponsors still prefer the traditional February-March slot, but with the T20 World Cup 2026 set for February and March window, those dates are unavailable. If PSL 11 is again held in April-May, the league could find itself sidelined in terms of audience and talent pool.

Earlier in 2025, players who didn’t find IPL contracts were picked in the PSL draft, essentially making PSL a second-choice destination. For a league that wants to compete with the IPL, that’s not a great sign at all.

Pakistan Men’s team’s upcoming schedule

• 31 Jul-Aug: Tour of West Indies (3 ODIs, 3 T20Is)

• Apr–May 2026: Zimbabwe tour of Pakistan (3 ODIs, 3 T20Is – may be rescheduled)
• November 2025: Home series vs Sri Lanka (3 ODIs, 3 T20Is)
• Dec 2025 – Jan 2026: Domestic events (Pentangular Cup)
• Feb 2026: Home T20I series vs Australia (3 matches)
• Feb–Mar 2026: ICC T20 World Cup (India & Sri Lanka)
• Mar 2026: Home ODI series vs Australia (3 matches)
• Mar–Apr 2026: Tour of Bangladesh (2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is)
• Apr–May 2026: Proposed window for PSL 11 (pending final decision)