For the first time in Pakistan Super League(PSL) history, the tournament dates for the next year are set to clash with the Indian Premier League as Pakistan needs to prepare for the Champions Trophy 2025.
The tentative window allocated for the PSL 2025 is April 7 to May 20, the dates during which the IPL runs. Notably, this year IPL started on March 22 with the final set to play on May 26.
On the other hand, Pakistan who are the host of the Champions Trophy 2025 will host the ICC tournament during February-March next year. The ICC event in February-March 2024, not only interrupts the PSL and IPL but also disrupts the schedule of the other two domestic leagues – ILT20(in UAE), and SA20(in South Africa).
Though PSL or IPL may not face a dip in the viewership, the participation of the overseas players becomes questionable. Overseas players might left with the option of choosing either to play PSL or IPL.
But if Pakistan hosts the PSL 2025 soon after the conclusion of the Champions Trophy, there are slighter chance for players to feature in the latter half of the IPL next year. As a total of only 34 matches will be played in PSL, there are chances for the players to join their respective IPL teams post the tournament.
But IPL franchises will keep these things in mind before picking the overseas players for the IPL 2025 as the board will host a MEGA Auction for the season.
On Saturday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) held a meeting with the six franchise owners of the PSL to look ahead for the coming season.
“Due to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being held in the traditional event window, the event window for the 2025 event will be 7 April – 20 May,” the PCB said in a statement.
The meeting decided that Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi will host matches with each side playing, at least, five matches on home ground. The PCB will continue to explore additional venues, the board said, adding, “The four playoffs proposed to be staged at a neutral venue.”
The overlap of windows has been avoided since the start of the PSL nine years ago. The PSL was held from February 17 to March 18 this year. As the Champions Trophy was scheduled to be played during the same window, PCB needed to find new dates for the second-best franchise-based league after the IPL.
“At the back of this meeting, and in relation to the most suitable window for HBL PSL 2025 and beyond, the PCB will share further data with the franchise owners so that they can discuss amongst themselves, make a more informed decision and share their ideas and thoughts at the General Council meeting.
We look forward to working closely with the franchisees to make timely decisions for the future trajectory of one of Pakistan’s biggest brands,” PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer said.
