By Zainab Shafiq 
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its decision to hold the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025) concurrently with the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) due to the jam-packed schedule of the Pakistan men’s cricket team in early 2025. With the usual window for PSL falling in February-March, the board faces a scheduling dilemma as Pakistan are set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in March, after a tri-nation series involving New Zealand and South Africa.
In January, Pakistan are slated to face New Zealand in a series followed by a multi-series against South Africa, leaving little room for PSL matches. Franchise owners proposed pushing the start of PSL to the end of January and concluding it by February. However, PCB rejected the proposal, indicating a likelihood of the league commencing in April alongside IPL 2025.
The tri-series holds significant importance as it marks the return of such events to Pakistan after 2004. Despite suggestions to host PSL 2025 in September, conflicting international schedules pose challenges. England is scheduled to visit Pakistan for a test series, and Pakistan is set to tour Australia in November, leaving little room for PSL matches.
Multiple meetings have been held to address the scheduling concerns, but a conclusive decision is yet to be reached. However, indications suggest that PSL 2025 is likely to be aligned with IPL 2025, allowing both leagues to run concurrently. The decision aims to ensure the optimal utilization of player availability and minimize disruptions to the cricketing calendar.
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