Joe Root in IPL (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly in discussions with England star Joe Root for the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026).
According to reports by senior Pakistan journalist, Qadir Khawaja, the PCB is keen to bring one of the biggest names to the league. If Root features in 2026 edition, it will be the first time he will play in the Pakistan Super League.
PCB in talks with Joe Root for PSL 2026
Joe Root has a vast experience in franchise cricket around the world. He has previously featured in leagues such as the IPL, SA20, ILT20, and the Big Bash League (BBL). His possible participation would significantly boost the PSL's global profile and viewership.
The PSL 11 edition is expected to feature several international players such as Faf Du Plessis, continuing the trend seen in earlier seasons. In PSL 10, many well-known overseas cricketers took part, and the expanded format in 2026 is likely to attract even more star power.
As talks with the PCB continue, fans will be eagerly waiting to see whether the England great finally makes his much-anticipated PSL debut in 2026.
PSL 2026 start date changed
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently confirmed that PSL 2026 will be played from March 23 . The announcement was made on Monday after an auction held on January 8 in Islamabad, where rights for two new franchises will be offered.
With the addition of these teams, the PSL will expand from six to eight teams starting in 2026, making it one of the biggest editions in the league’s history.
Compared to PSL X in 2025, which took place from April 11 to May 25 and included a break due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, the 2026 season has been scheduled slightly earlier.
However, for the second year in a row, the PSL will clash with the IPL, which is set to run from March 26 to May 31, 2026. This overlap could make player availability challenging, especially for top international stars.
Despite the scheduling clash, the PCB appears confident about attracting marquee foreign players.
Joe Root continues to shine in Test cricket
Meanwhile, Joe Root continues to shine in Test cricket. Cricket Australia recently named him in their Best Test XI of 2025. Root enjoyed a strong year in red-ball cricket, scoring 805 runs in 10 Test matches, including four centuries and one fifty.
A standout moment came during the Ashes 2025–26, when he scored his maiden Test hundred on Australian soil in the pink-ball Test at the Gabba.
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