Hijab Zahid has been reappointed as Senior Manager of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), reiterating her central position in one of Pakistan's most prominent sporting assets. Her reappointment indicates stability and a fresh emphasis on the development and transformation of the league.

The reappointment of Hijab has been welcomed by all within the cricket fraternity, especially those who have witnessed the growth of the PSL in terms of stature over the last few years. She had the position for a few seasons earlier, during which the PSL established itself as a successful commercial and internationally followed franchise-based T20 league.

Most respected for her professionalism and dedication towards developing the league, Hijab has had a major role in simplifying PSL operations, enhancing its online reach, and helping it gain more fans globally as well as locally. Her knowledge of the cricket ecosystem along with event management and strategic communication skills has made her an integral part of the PCB.

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Hijab Zahid's Return Brings Stability and Fresh Plans for PSL

This reappointment is timely for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which is in the process of structural reforms and looking to revive its domestic and international cricket structure. With the PSL seeking to capitalize on recent achievements and increase its brand value, Hijab's return provides leadership continuity and institutional memory that should be critical to planning and implementation processes in the future.

Sources familiar with the PCB indicate that Hijab's new term would see more focus on digital innovation, overseas partnerships, and a new brand approach for the PSL. There is also speculation building that the league could look to new grounds and formats in upcoming seasons, changes that would most likely come under her strategic umbrella.

With the upcoming season of the PSL already on the drawing board, Hijab Zahid's firm hand and tested leadership may be crucial to making sure that the league keeps improving in standing and keeps pace with other international T20 competitions. Her comeback is a clear indication of the PCB's desire to blend experience with forward-thinking in charting the future of the PSL.

Pakistan Super League (PSL) will have a drastic transformation in its 11th season, which will be held in 2026.  PSL 11 will once again clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL), and this will send a few eyebrows into a flutter in the world of international cricket.

The PCB seems keen to adhere to its March-May timeline irrespective of ongoing talks regarding avoiding scheduling clashes with the IPL. The two major leagues will again clash this year, which may create problems regarding international player availability and broadcasting commitments.

But the PSL is not giving up. It is gearing up for its best season so far, with plans to take the competition to eight franchises. Two more franchises will take the competition and viewer interest to the next level, and also offer opportunities for new local players to emerge.

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PSL 11 to have extra teams, venues, and matches as PCB is looking to make big expansion despite conflict with IPL

The competition will also see an increase in matches and venues. PSL 11 will be played in more cities across Pakistan, with Peshawar and Quetta being among the cities expected to be competing to host the matches, something aimed at taking world-class cricket to the less-represented regions. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also weighing the neutral venue option, specifically in the UAE or other cricketing-friendly countries, to manage logistics and weather risk.

The expansion decision by the PSL comes after its consolidation at the international level of the T20 league. With eight franchises now, enthusiasts can look forward to much more thrilling cricket in the league that is famous for powerful bowling attacks and closely contested matches.

PSL 11 will be a landmark season because of these events, both for Pakistani cricket and the league's reputation globally. Only time will tell if it will be able to compete in an IPL match, but whatever happens, one thing is certain: 2026 will be a big year.

The 2026 edition of the PSL will once again face scheduling constraints when it holds its 11th edition in the same April-May timeframe, which again clashes with the Indian Premier League. The ICC T20 World Cup is scheduled in that February-March window, and the Pakistan Cricket Board has no other option but to look for alternative windows for holding the tournament.

A December-January PSL proposal was debated, but now seems unrealistic owing to unfinished logistical and operational problems. The PCB can, however, stage the local Pentangular Cup during this time, with top cricketers to ensure competitive levels.

Another complication is the PCB's reorganization of the PSL as a standalone company, still in progress. Salman Naseer has been entrusted with the role of CEO, but other positions remain vacant, which is slowing down important decisions. Valuations of franchises are under uncertainty, as the fees have been hiked up by 25%. The future of Multan Sultans also remains uncertain, because owner Ali Tareen raised an eyebrow regarding the financial losses his franchise incurs over more than PKR 1 billion a year in fees.

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Franchise Uncertainty and Scheduling Clashes Cloud PSL 11 Planning

Expansion plans to increase the league from six to eight teams are also stuck, with franchises saying they have not been spoken to about new business models. In contrast, big commercial deals such as title sponsorship, broadcasting, live streaming, and ground rights are up for renewal. With 54 matches anticipated in an increased league structure, these contracts could see a rise in value by 30%.

Pakistan’s packed international calendar complicates matters further. In November 2025, they host Sri Lanka, followed by domestic competitions in December and January. Australia tours in February and March, and Pakistan will tour Bangladesh in late March and April. Zimbabwe’s scheduled visit in April-May will likely need rescheduling if the PSL takes place during that window.

Franchise fears of colliding with the IPL have eased, but broadcasters are still wary. All six franchises have asked for a PSL Governing Council meeting to discuss these matters, with an answer in the offing. To date, the ultimate decision regarding the schedule of PSL 11 is still pending among various moving parts.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to undergo a significant transformation with the addition of two new franchises in 2026. This expansion, confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), marks the first change since including the Multan Sultans in 2018. The upcoming 2025 season will be the last with six teams, making the 2026 season a landmark event as the PSL evolves into an eight-team league.

History of the PSL

The PSL was established in 2015 to reinvigorate cricket in Pakistan. The league started with five franchises: Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. Over the years, the league has grown in popularity and stature, attracting top international players and delivering high-octane cricket. The first expansion occurred in 2018 with the addition of the Multan Sultans, bringing the total to six teams.

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Details of the New Expansion

The PCB’s announcement to add two new teams by 2026 has been anticipated since an agreement with the current franchises not to expand until after the tenth season.

The PCB’s official confirmation sets the stage for significant changes in the league’s structure and operations. The process for deciding which cities the new teams will represent is yet to begin, but it is expected to be a thorough and competitive selection.

Impact on the League Structure

The transition from a six-team to an eight-team league will necessitate tournament format and scheduling changes. To accommodate the additional matches, the league will likely adopt a more extended season with more teams. This expansion aims to enhance the league’s competitiveness and increase its appeal to a broader audience.

The selection of cities for the new franchises will be a pivotal decision. Given their rich, cricketing history and strong local support, cities like Faisalabad, Hyderabad, and Sialkot are potential contenders.

Challenges and Contentions

One of the most contentious issues is the scheduling conflict with the Indian Premier League (IPL). In 2025, the PSL’s traditional window in February-March will be occupied by the Champions Trophy, forcing the PCB to consider moving the PSL to April-May. This new window directly clashes with the IPL, raising concerns about player availability and competition in viewership.

PCB’s Proposed Solutions

To address these concerns, the PCB has proposed new player recruitment rules, allowing franchises to sign one marquee player independently of the draft. This move aims to ensure the availability of top players despite the scheduling conflict. Additionally, the PCB has offered financial incentives to franchises to support this transition.