PSL 2027 could move to January as PCB, franchises discuss new window: Report

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) could be moved to January next year as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and owners of the eight franchises consider a new window for the tournament, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The proposal was discussed at a PSL Governing Council meeting in London on September 1, with media rights holder Walee Technologies reportedly seeking an earlier schedule.

Walee has raised concerns about advertising revenue during the current April-May window. The period follows Ramadan, when companies are believed to have already committed a large part of their advertising budgets.

Franchise owners, however, are seeking clarity on whether their share of broadcast revenue would remain protected if the tournament is shifted. They have also raised questions about the broadcaster’s advertising returns.

Under the existing arrangement, the eight franchises receive 95% of the broadcast revenue from the central revenue pool.

A January start would represent another change for the PSL. The league was traditionally played in February and March, with its first nine editions between 2016 and 2024 held during that period.

The tournament was moved to April-May for the last two editions because of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and the T20 World Cup this year. That change also meant the PSL was staged alongside the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Playing at the same time as the IPL has given the PSL one benefit: greater availability of players, as previous editions often faced competition from other T20 leagues around the world.

A return to an earlier window could create the same problem again. The PSL would potentially compete for overseas players with South Africa’s SA20 and Australia’s Big Bash League, both of which are played around January and February.

Weather could present another challenge in Pakistan. Punjab experiences cold weather and dense fog during January and February, while Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi are among the league’s four traditional venues.

One option under consideration is to begin the tournament in Karachi before taking it to Punjab and Peshawar as weather conditions become more favourable. Pakistan currently has an open international cricket window from mid-November through March, with no home or away series scheduled during that period.

The national team is due to play Sri Lanka and England in October and November before travelling for a series against New Zealand in March. That assignment will also mark Pakistan’s final World Test Championship engagement of the current cycle.

Walee holds the PSL’s domestic television and digital rights until 2029 and secured the international media rights for the 2026 season. The company also owns Rawalpindiz, one of the two franchises added when the league expanded to eight teams this year.

The Governing Council has also discussed ways to keep the PSL active beyond its main tournament period.

One idea under consideration is an entry into esports, a sector that has been expanding in Pakistan. The proposal comes as franchises remain concerned about declining interest in the PSL following Pakistan’s struggles across formats.