Pakistan PSL 2026 schedule: new season dates, venues and team changes
The Pakistan Super League returns in 2026 with a reshuffled calendar, fresh venues and a wave of player movements. Fans can mark their diaries for a longer, more compact tournament that runs from early February to late March. The PCB has also introduced a new playoff format to keep the drama alive until the final whistle. Below we break down the full schedule, key dates and the most significant squad changes.
Season overview and new timing
The 2026 edition expands to 34 matches, up from 30 in the previous year, thanks to the addition of a sixth playoff encounter. The league now kicks off on 3 February and concludes with the final on 28 March, giving a tighter two‑month window that avoids the monsoon‑affected period.
Unlike the 2025 season, which stretched into early April, the revised timetable aims to maximise television viewership and reduce player fatigue. The PCB has also scheduled a short break after the group stage to accommodate the ICC’s T20 World Cup qualifiers, ensuring that star internationals are available for the climax.
Full match schedule by month
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Feb – 10 Feb | Opening fixtures (8 matches) | National Stadium, Karachi |
| 12 Feb – 19 Feb | Group stage continues (8 matches) | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 21 Feb – 28 Feb | Group stage concludes (8 matches) | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
| 2 Mar – 5 Mar | Qualifier 1 & Eliminator | Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan |
| 8 Mar – 10 Mar | Semi‑finals | Quaid-e-Azam Stadium, Faisalabad |
| 28 Mar | Final | National Stadium, Karachi |
All match times will be announced in Pakistan Standard Time (UTC+5). The PCB promises live streaming on its official portal and a dedicated channel on PTV Sports.
Team roster changes and player movements
| Team | Incoming players | Departures |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi Kings | Shadab Khan (captain), Rashid Khan (draft) | Mohammad Amir, Babar Azam (to Lahore Lions) |
| Lahore Lions | Babar Azam (captain), Shaheen Afridi | Shadab Khan (to Karachi Kings) |
| Islamabad United | Chris Morris, Rilee Rossouw | Mohammad Rizwan (to Peshawar Panthers) |
| Peshawar Panthers | Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Imam-ul-Haq | Chris Morris (to Islamabad United) |
| Multan Sultans | David Miller, Haris Rauf | Fakhar Zaman (to Quetta Gladiators) |
| Quetta Gladiators | Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafiq | David Miller (to Multan Sultans) |
The most headline‑grabbing move is Babar Azam’s shift to Lahore Lions, where he will lead the side for the first time. Karachi Kings, meanwhile, have secured Shadab Khan as their new skipper, hoping his all‑round prowess will offset the loss of senior pacer Mohammad Amir.
New venues and format tweaks
Two venues make their PSL debut in 2026: the Multan Cricket Stadium will host the high‑stakes knockout matches, while Faisalabad’s Quaid‑e‑Azam Stadium is slated for the semi‑finals. Both grounds have undergone turf upgrades and expanded seating to meet ICC standards.
The playoff format now includes a “Qualifier‑2” match, giving the top‑two teams a second chance to reach the final. This change mirrors the IPL’s recent structure and is expected to keep the competition alive longer, especially if the league table remains tight after the group stage.
Broadcast, ticketing and fan engagement
PTV Sports will broadcast every match on free‑to‑air television, while the PCB’s digital platform will stream live in high definition for a modest subscription fee. Early‑bird tickets for the Karachi opening weekend sold out within 48 hours, prompting the PCB to open a second tranche for the Lahore and Rawalpindi fixtures.
Fans can also participate in the “PSL Fan Zone” app, which offers real‑time stats, interactive polls and a chance to win signed merchandise. The app’s new “Vote‑Your‑Man of the Match” feature will be piloted during the knockout stage, adding a social‑media‑driven layer to the traditional viewing experience.
“The 2026 season is our most ambitious yet – a tighter schedule, fresh faces and a revamped playoff system will keep Pakistan’s cricket lovers on the edge of their seats,” said PCB chairman Najam Sethi.
Quick answers
When does the PSL 2026 season start and end?
The league opens on 3 February 2026 and the final is scheduled for 28 March 2026.
Which teams have the biggest roster changes?
Lahore Lions acquire Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, while Karachi Kings bring in Shadab Khan as captain, marking the most significant swaps.
Where will the knockout matches be played?
All knockout games – the Qualifier, Eliminator, semi‑finals and final – will be held at Multan Cricket Stadium, Faisalabad’s Quaid‑e‑Azam Stadium and the National Stadium in Karachi.
