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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering moving the playoffs and final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025) to another country, with England being a prominent option. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has opted not to host the PSL playoff matches next year.
The PSL 2025 is scheduled to take place in April and May due to the ICC Champions Trophy set for February 2025. This will mark the first time the PSL overlaps with the Indian Premier League (IPL). Traditionally, the PSL has been held in February and March.
Key international players might prefer the IPL over the PSL 2025 due to the higher salaries offered. The scheduling conflict could impact the PCB significantly, affecting viewership and sponsorships as both leagues will be running simultaneously.
England Declines Pakistan’s Request to Host PSL 2025 Playoffs
According to a report by Cricket Pakistan, franchise owners were informed that an official would be sent to England to explore the possibility of hosting PSL 2025 matches. However, it has now been confirmed that England has declined the request due to unavailability of their venues.
The report also mentioned that some PCB officials are considering the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as an alternative venue. Nonetheless, they are apprehensive about the extreme heat in May, which could impact hosting the matches there.
Franchises have recently expressed concerns to the PCB regarding profit shares for the ninth edition and other issues. However, they have yet to receive a response from the cricket board. A senior official has assured them that a governing council meeting will be convened soon to address their concerns.
The Men in Green are set to take on Bangladesh in their next international assignment.
Pakistan has a busy international schedule leading up to the 10th edition of the PSL. The Men in Green will start their home series with a three-match Test series against Bangladesh from August 21 to September 3. Following that, they will face England in a three-match Test series from October 7 to 28.
Pakistan will then tour Australia for three ODIs and three T20Is from November 4 to 18, before heading to Zimbabwe for three ODIs and three T20Is from November 24 to December 5. An all-format tour of South Africa will follow, featuring three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests from December 10 to January 7.
In addition, Pakistan will host the West Indies for a two-Test series and participate in a tri-series with New Zealand and South Africa from January 16 to February 14. They will then host the 2025 Champions Trophy (dates to be confirmed) in February and March. The tour of New Zealand will take place from March 16 to April 5, prior to the start of PSL 2025.
