 is gearing up for its tenth edition, and the player draft will take place on January 11, 2025.){kind=link}
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is gearing up for its milestone tenth edition, and fans can mark January 11 on their calendars—that’s when the much-anticipated player draft will take place. While this date is later than usual, there’s a strategic reason behind it. The PSL is stepping into uncharted territory by shifting its tournament window to April-May, overlapping with the Indian Premier League (IPL). Bold move, right?
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Why the Change?
For years, the PSL operated within a busy December-to-March window, often clashing with other leagues like the Big Bash, SA20, and ILT20, not to mention international cricket. But moving to April-May opens up fresh possibilities.
Here’s the catch: the IPL is the undisputed king of T20 leagues, and competing directly with it isn’t an option. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) isn’t looking to compete—they’re aiming to coexist. By making this shift, the PSL avoids a jam-packed cricket calendar and capitalizes on the lull in Full Member international fixtures during this time.
Another big win? The PSL won’t have to wrestle with Ramadan schedules, which impact everything from game timings to advertising revenues. With Ramadan creeping earlier every year, this move helps the PSL avoid logistical headaches.
The Talent Pool: A PSL Silver Lining?
One intriguing aspect of this move is player availability. The PSL draft will likely target players who went unsold at the IPL auction. Big names like David Warner, Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson, Adil Rashid, and Keshav Maharaj are on the radar.
Why? Because there’s a good chance these players won’t have international commitments during this window. In previous seasons, some of these stars were unavailable due to packed schedules. But now, with fewer international fixtures, the PSL has an edge.
That said, there’s a hiccup. The England Cricket Board (ECB) recently decided not to issue No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for English players to participate in overseas leagues during their domestic season. Since the County Championship begins on April 4, this could impact the availability of English stars—a group the PSL has historically relied on.
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Franchise Owners: Onboard or Opposed?
Not everyone is thrilled about this change. Some franchise owners reportedly opposed the move, concerned about competing for attention during the IPL’s juggernaut season. However, the PSL’s governing council had the final say and went ahead with the decision.
From a long-term perspective, the shift could benefit everyone. The PCB is already eyeing expansion, with two new teams expected to join the league in 2026. A longer tournament window in April-May would accommodate this growth without overburdening the schedule.
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