PSL 11 Gets Major Overhaul With New Format and Expanded Teams

Overview

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 will be played in 2026 with 44 matches across 39 days. The tournament will expand to eight teams follow a single league format and take place in five cities including Faisalabad for the first time.

PSL 11 schedule announced with 44 matches and 8 teams
Image Source: Instagram/@thepsl —Edited & Modified by Us

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has officially revealed key details for its 11th season. According to the announced schedule PSL 11 will consist of 44 matches played over a period of 39 days making it one of the most competitive seasons in the league history.

PSL 11 Schedule, Duration, and Participating Teams

PSL 11 will begin on March 26, 2026, and conclude on May 3, 2026. This season marks a major expansion as the league will grow from six to eight teams.

Despite the increase in teams each team will play a minimum of 10 matches which is the same number previously played during the six team format. This ensures balanced competition while maintaining the tournament intensity.

PSL 11 Match Format Explained

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had two format options for PSL 11:

Double league format (which would result in 60 matches)

Single league format (adjusted for time constraints)

Due to the limited 39 day window a double league format was not feasible. As a result PSL 11 will follow a single league structure.

First Round League Stage

All eight teams will face each other once

Total matches in this stage: 28

Second Round Group Stage

After the league phase:

Teams will be divided into two groups of four

Each team will play three matches in this stage

Total matches: 12

Playoffs and Final Matches

The top two teams from the Super Four stage will qualify for the playoffs

Including qualifiers and the final four playoff matches will be played

PSL 11 Venues Five Host Cities Confirmed

PSL 2026 matches will be hosted across five cities in Pakistan:

1. Karachi

2. Lahore

3. Rawalpindi

4. Multan

5. Faisalabad (Iqbal Stadium hosting PSL matches for the first time)

The inclusion of Faisalabad adds a new dimension and expands PSL reach to more cricket fans.

PSL 11 Expansion New Teams and Financial Model Finalized

The PCB has also finalized plans regarding two new franchises for PSL 11.

According to sources:

Investors from Pakistan the United Kingdom and the United States have shown strong interest

Final ownership decisions will be made during the franchise auction on January 8

Financial Guarantees for New Franchises

New teams are guaranteed PKR 850 million over the first five seasons

If the central revenue pool decreases PCB will cover the shortfall

New franchises will receive up to 95% share of central revenue similar to existing teams

Team Naming and Ownership Rules

PCB has set strict guidelines for new franchises:

Teams cannot be named after brands or companies

City names require PCB board approval

A USD 1 million fee will apply for city name rights

Team names and logos must be approved by the PCB

New franchises will receive long term ownership rights

PCB will take financial responsibility if central licensing revenue declines

What Makes PSL 11 a Historic Season

With more teams new venues and a revised financial structure PSL 11 is set to be one of the biggest and most commercially successful editions of the tournament. The expansion reflects PSL growing global appeal and long term sustainability.

Related Reads:

PSL 2026 start date

PSL 2026 New teams bidding fees