ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the tentative schedule for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), with the expanded tournament set to run from March 26 to May 3 across six major cities.
The much-anticipated opening match will see defending champions Lahore Qalandars take on tournament debutants Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, setting the stage for what promises to be a historic season.
Expanded format with eight teams
The 2026 season introduces a significant structural overhaul, moving from the traditional six-team double round-robin to an eight-team format.
The franchises have been divided into two groups of four, ensuring each side plays 10 league matches before the play-offs begin.
During the first phase, each team will play seven matches before the competition progresses to the second stage.
The revamped format sees teams facing opponents in their own group twice and those in the opposite group once, guaranteeing a balanced competition.
🚨PSL 11 is set to begin on March 26 with Lahore Qalandars vs Hyderabad.( Saleem Khaliq)
– Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United is expected on March 28 in Peshawar.
-Qualifier 1: May 2 (Rawalpindi).
-Eliminator 1: May 3 (Lahore).
-Eliminator 2: May 5 (Lahore).
-Final: May 10. pic.twitter.com/0bDnxyZDvj— junaiz (@dhillow_) February 24, 2026
Venue distribution across Cricket heartlands
The PCB has strategically spread matches across six cities to maximise fan engagement and showcase Pakistan’s cricketing venues.
Lahore emerges as the tournament’s focal point, hosting 14 matches, including the opening game and the grand finale.
Rawalpindi will stage 10 matches and has been designated to host Qualifier 1, while Faisalabad prepares to welcome seven group-stage encounters.
Karachi completes the list of major venues with six matches, as the city continues its strong association with the league.
Multan returns as a host city for four matches, including the first Eliminator, while Peshawar makes a welcome comeback with two night-games scheduled, provided logistical arrangements are finalized in time.
Play-off schedule confirmed
The knockout stage promises high drama with matches split between Rawalpindi and Lahore.
The first Qualifier is tentatively scheduled for Rawalpindi on April 28, followed by the first Eliminator in Lahore on April 29.
The second Eliminator will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on May 1, setting the stage for the grand final at the same venue on May 3.
Group composition revealed
PCB have confirmed the group divisions for the second phase. Group A comprises Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, and debutants Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen.
Group B features Islamabad United, Pindiz, Peshawar Zalmi, and Multan Sultans, ensuring intense rivalries and competitive matchups throughout the tournament.
Record-breaking auction and player transfers
This season marks a historic shift in player acquisition, with a record-breaking auction system replacing the traditional draft model.
The new system has attracted international marquee signings, with former Australian captain Steve Smith among the high-profile names joining the league.
Teams have also been granted a week-long trade and transfer window before the tournament commences, allowing franchises to finalise their squads and make strategic adjustments ahead of the opening fixture.
Official announcement awaited
While the tentative schedule has been circulated, the PCB is expected to release the official fixture list in the coming days.
With 44 matches spread across 34 days, PSL 11 promises to be the most extensive and competitive season yet, showcasing Pakistan’s cricketing talent on a grand stage while welcoming international stars to the country’s premier T20 competition.
