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PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi (L) and Ex-Pacer Wasim Akram (R) (Source: X)
In what seems to be a latest piece of developments in the Pakistan cricketing circuit, the Pakistan Cricket Board has amended the date of start for the PSL 2026. The PCB Chief and Pakistan’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi announced the new date for the tournament’s start.
Earlier, the tournament was scheduled to start from March 26 next year, the same day when the IPL 2026 is set to start in India. In the revised decision, the PCB has decided to start the upcoming PSL edition from March 23.
“There is a proposal to start PSL from March 23, as beginning the league on Pakistan Day would be memorable. However, a final decision will be made after consultation with all franchises,” said PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi in the recently concluded press conference for PSL.
PCB clears air on Multan Sultans’ ownership
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision-makers also cleared the doubts surrounding the ownership of the PSL franchise Multan Sultans. The future of the franchise was hanging in the balance after the ex-owner Ali Tareen stepped out of the league following a controversial tug-of-war with PCB.
In the latest press conference, the management confirmed that the PCB will be managing the Sultans franchise for a season. Furthermore, they have decided to hand it to a new owner through the process of an auction in 2027.
Apart from that, the PCB chief also clarified his stance on the re-entry of Multan Sultan’s ex-owner Ali Tareen into PSL. “Ali Tareen has the right to buy a new team, and we will warmly welcome him,” said Naqvi.
So, it will also be an interesting sight to witness if there will be a new team or PCB gives back Sultans’ ownership to Ali Tareen if he comes back into the PSL picture.
Wasim Akram rewarded for demeaning IPL
Just a few weeks back during a PSL roadshow at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, former legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram demeaned IPL and praised his country’s own league. Akram was joined by PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi and ex-PCB chief Ramiz Raja in the London roadshow.
“The best thing about PSL is that it lasts for 34 days or a bit more next year. It’s not three months long like other leagues. Bachay baray ho jatay hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti (Kids grow up by the time those leagues end—they just never seem to finish),” said Akram while speaking at the road show.
Rewarding Akram for this statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board appointed him as the brand ambassador for the Pakistan Super League. Notably, the former Pakistan pacer once used to earn from the Indian Premier League as he was a part of the coaching setup in the Kolkata Knight Riders in the early seasons of the tournament.
“Will be on equal terms with India…” - Naqvi on rifts with BCCI
Apart from rewarding Wasim Akram for his anti-IPL remarks, the PCB chief also spoke about the tightening cricketing relations with India. It also includes the recently emerged no-handshake policy of the BCCI with the Pakistan cricket team.
“If India isn’t interested in shaking hands, then we aren’t eager either. Whatever happens will be on equal terms with India, it can’t be one-sided,” said Naqvi.
