PSL 2026 to retain round-robin system after Super 6 plan rejected

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) will enter its 11th edition in 2026 with a familiar structure after all six franchises unanimously rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposed Super 6 format. Despite the board’s push for innovation, franchise owners insisted on retaining the traditional round-robin model that has defined the league since its inception in 2016.

PCB’s Super 6 Proposal

The PCB had floated the idea of a new Super 6 system for PSL 11, aiming to make the league shorter and more competitive. Under this model, the eight participating teams would first play a reduced group stage where each side faced the others once. The bottom two teams would be eliminated early, while the top six would move into a new Super 6 phase before the playoffs.

Officials believed this design would bring a fresh twist to the tournament, cut down the number of fixtures, and help players manage workload ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Why the Franchises Said No

Franchise owners, however, saw the proposal as a step backward rather than forward. They raised several key concerns:

• Fan engagement: Teams like Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans have massive local followings. Eliminating two teams early would have meant fewer home games and reduced interest in those cities.
• Financial implications: A shorter league would reduce ticket sales, sponsorship exposure, and broadcast revenue.
• Fairness: The new system favored stronger teams and limited the opportunity for others to recover from early setbacks, a feature many believe keeps the PSL exciting and unpredictable.

One franchise representative summed it up, saying, “The PSL’s strength lies in its consistency. Fans understand the format and enjoy it. There’s no reason to fix what isn’t broken.”

The Round-Robin Format Will Stay

Following the unanimous rejection, the PCB confirmed that PSL 11 will maintain its current format. Each team will play against every other team at least once during the league stage, with the top four advancing to the playoffs, two qualifiers, one eliminator, and a grand final.

This model has produced countless memorable moments, from thrilling last-over finishes to record-breaking chases, and continues to offer a balance between competition and entertainment.

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PCB’s Response and Future Plans

PCB officials acknowledged the franchises’ feedback, emphasizing that the league’s success depends on collaboration between the board and team owners. They also hinted that the Super 6 concept might return later, once the league expands.

The board is actively considering adding two new franchises, potentially from cities such as Sialkot, Faisalabad, or Hyderabad, in future editions. Once that happens, structural changes like a Super 6 or Super 8 phase could be revisited.

Fan and Media Reaction

Fans across Pakistan welcomed the decision to keep the format unchanged. Social media buzzed with hashtags like #SavePSLFormat and #PSL11, as supporters praised the franchises for prioritizing tradition and fan loyalty.

Cricket journalists, including Saleem Khaliq, reported that the rejection was unanimous. Analysts called it a sign of maturity within PSL’s ecosystem, showing that franchises now play a decisive role in shaping the league’s direction.

Looking Ahead to PSL 11

PSL 11, expected to be played in April–May 2026, will likely feature 35 to 44 matches across multiple venues, including Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Quetta. PCB aims to involve all major cricket centers while ensuring a packed yet manageable schedule.

Players have also welcomed the continuity. A Peshawar Zalmi player said, “Every team gets a fair chance in the round-robin format. One or two bad games don’t define your season, that’s what makes the PSL special.”

Final Word

By standing firm on the traditional format, PSL franchises have safeguarded the league’s identity, one built on fairness, competition, and nationwide fan engagement. The PCB’s willingness to listen to its stakeholders shows a maturing system that values stability over risky experimentation.

As preparations for PSL 11 get underway, fans can look forward to what they love most: intense rivalries, full stadiums, and world-class T20 action — all under the tried-and-tested round-robin system that made the PSL a global cricketing brand.