PSL likely to clash with IPL dates in 2025 due to scheduling challenges
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is likely to clash with the dates of the Indian Premier League (IPL) next year due to Pakistan's international calender. The PSL is usually played in February and March with the IPL starting towards the end of March.
However, with Pakistan's packed itenaray, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has indicated that the PSL could be played between April 10 and May 25 next year, clasing with the IPL timeframe.
For context, the PSL was played from February 17 to March 18 this year, while the IPL took place from March 22 to May 26.
The rescheduling is likely to happen due to ensure the PSL does not clash with Pakistan's international games. However, such a scenario could have massive impact on the overseas players that participate in both leagues, on broadcast viewership numbers and sponsors.
Apart from announcing the revised tentative PSL dates, PCB also confirmed an overhaul of the monthly retainers for the domestic players. The revision will have the players picked for three new elite tournaments known as the Champions tournaments, spreading acorss five teams to improve the players' finances and ensure more competitiveness in domestic cricket.
How does Pakistan's international schedule look until PSL 2025?
It is worthwhile looking at Pakistan's upcoming international assignments leading upto the 2025 PSL season.
The side will play a two-Test series at home against Bangladesh from August 21 to September 3. This will be followed by a blockbuster three-Test home series against England from October 7 to 28.
The action then shifts down under with Pakistan taking on Australia in 3 ODIs and as many T20Is from November 4 to 18. Pakistan will then travel to Zimbabwe for three ODIs and T20Is from November 24 to December 5.
The Men in Green will stay in Africa and face South Africa in an all-format tour of 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs and 2 Tests from December 10 to January 7.
Pakistan will return home to then play the West Indies in a two-Test series followed by a tri-series involving New Zealand and South Africa from January 16 to February 14.
The 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan will follow immidiately (dates still to be confirmed] before they tour New Zealand for 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs from March 16 to April 5.
All of which makes the availability of the PSL window only available from the middle of April next year.