PSL 12 window remains undecided

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to decide the scheduling window for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 12, with franchise owners and the cricket committee weighing the pros and cons of staging the tournament either alongside the Indian Premier League (IPL) or returning to its traditional February-March slot.

According to sources, two potential windows for the PSL 2027 season were discussed during a meeting involving the PCB and franchise representatives, with a final decision expected after further deliberations by the cricket committee.

The 2025 PSL 10 and 2026 PSL 11 editions were both staged in the April-May window, overlapping with the IPL after the league moved away from its traditional February-March schedule.

A return to February-March 2027 would avoid a direct clash with the IPL, increasing the likelihood of securing the full availability of leading overseas players. Officials also highlighted cooler weather conditions and improved commercial opportunities for sponsors as significant advantages.

However, concerns were raised that the earlier window could coincide with other international franchise leagues while also overlapping with the holy month of Ramadan, potentially creating logistical and scheduling challenges.

Keeping the tournament in April-May would once again mean competing with the IPL for overseas talent. Although some international players may still be available throughout the competition, officials acknowledged the drawbacks of hosting matches during Pakistan's intense summer heat and the overlap with school examinations.

The cricket committee will continue discussions before making a recommendation on the tournament's schedule.

The meeting also examined a proposal to introduce a Super Six stage to the PSL, although sources said its implementation remains dependent on resolving outstanding financial matters involving one of the league's commercial stakeholders.

According to sources, officials raised concerns over the alleged non-payment of dues by a major stakeholder during the meeting. When the company's representative addressed participants, PCB officials reportedly reminded them of their contractual obligations and warned that further delays would not be accepted.

Franchise owners backed a tougher stance, arguing that teams face financial penalties for delayed payments and that the same principle should apply to commercial partners.

Participants agreed the issue should be resolved by Monday, following a series of board meetings over the weekend.

Another proposal discussed would allow the PCB to recover outstanding commercial payments by offsetting them against a company's franchise fee if it owns a team while also holding separate commercial agreements with the league.

The PCB also invited franchise owners to attend Pakistan's upcoming Test against England at Lord's, offering to cover travel and accommodation costs.

Away from league operations, the meeting also featured criticism of Pakistan's recent international performances.

Hyderabad Kingsmen owner Fawad Sarwar argued that the national team's struggles were having a negative impact on the commercial value and image of the PSL.

According to sources, Sarwar urged the PCB to take immediate steps to improve Pakistan's performances, warning that continued poor results could discourage future investment in the country's flagship T20 competition.

He also questioned the messaging from Director of High Performance Aqib Javed and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.

Sarwar reportedly said Aqib Javed needed media training, arguing that 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 presenting clear solutions to reverse the team's fortunes.

Sarwar concluded that Pakistan's current management lacked the necessary competence, claiming the team had developed a "habit of losing" and calling for sweeping changes, including the introduction of eight or nine new players to refresh the national side.

The PCB has yet to announce when a final decision on the PSL 12 schedule or the proposed Super Six format will be made, with discussions expected to continue in the coming weeks.

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