Key Points
- New teams to be added from 2026
- Franchise contracts to expire this year
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is all set to celebrate its 10th edition in 2025. This year’s edition introduces several exciting developments.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), PSL matches are scheduled from April 7 to May 20, 2025, to avoid overlapping with other international cricket events and Ramadan. It leads to a shift from the traditional February-March window.
Cricketing fans around the world will get to see their heroes in action in various cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan, introducing foreign players to the dynamic and vibrant culture of Pakistan.
Big names on the list
Indian Premier League (IPL) and PSL are happening in the same time frame, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has increased the salary cap for players, offering sufficient packages to attract top international and domestic cricketers.
PSL is going to entertain audiences with several big cricketing stars in 2025. A large number of star players competed to secure spots in the teams.
Teams were allowed to maintain eight players from their old squad.
To make matches interesting, PSL 2025 implements the ‘Power Surge’ rule. It is inspired by Australia’s Big Bash League.
It allows the batting side to call for a 2-hour Power Play at any point after the 10th over. In such a situation, only two players are permitted outside the 30-yard circle.
PCB has confirmed that PSL 10 will apply a new rule famously known as “Power Surge Play”.
The first power play will consist of 4 overs instead of 6. The rest of the 2 overs will be played at the discretion of the batting side.
Expansion plans for future seasons
Currently, PSL entertains only six teams. However, the PCB has announced plans to increase teams in the league to eight from 2026. This season is going to be the last PSL with six teams.
New franchises will most likely be added from cities such as Sialkot and Faisalabad. It will increase the reach of PSL and provide more opportunities for emerging talent.
So far, Multan Sultans’ entry in 2018 has been the only addition to the original five.
Expiration of contracts
The year after this season will be potentially one of sizeable flux for the PSL as the ten-year lease agreements with franchise owners will expire in 2025. Audiences have the last chance to see their favourite old franchise owners.
The lease of Multan Sultans will also expire next year, despite them joining the PSL two years after the rest.
However, the previous owners have the right of first refusal, which means ownership of a franchise only goes up for sale if the current owner declines to match the franchise’s valuation.
PSL was first introduced by PCB in 2015. The league features six city-based franchise teams. Each franchise is owned by investors. Each team plays the group stage matches in a double round-robin format.
After that, the top four teams with the most points qualify for the playoffs, culminating in the final.
So far, there have been nine seasons of PSL with Islamabad United being the most successful team, grabbing the title thrice.
