PSL's Six-a-Side Gamble: Can It Really Boost Revenue?

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-23

The Pakistan Super League is thinking about adding a six-a-side tournament to its calendar. According to league CEO Salman Naseer, the idea is still in the early stages, but it could become a regular fixture. The goal? To create a new revenue stream and keep the PSL brand active all year round. ### What's the Plan? Naseer shared the idea on a PSL podcast before a governing council meeting. He said the tournament might be called HBL PSL Sixes and would likely take place in the off-season. The format could be similar to the Hong Kong Sixes, which is known for its fast-paced, high-scoring matches. > "Nothing is finalised, but there are some exciting plans, and one of them is a sixes tournament," Naseer said. He also mentioned that the PCB will look into launching the event and hopes it becomes a recurring feature. A smaller tournament like this could travel to cities and stadiums where the PSL hasn't played before, helping to grow the league's reach. ### Why a Sixes Tournament? The PCB has been exploring ways to keep the PSL brand active throughout the year. A six-a-side event fits that goal perfectly. Matches are quick, involve fewer players, and are easier to organise. Plus, it's a format that fans find exciting. The board also sees this as a chance to take the PSL to smaller cities in Pakistan. Since the league moved entirely to Pakistan in 2020, it has used four venues: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi. A traveling sixes tournament could bring top-level cricket to new audiences. ### The Challenge: Finding a Window One big hurdle is scheduling. Overseas players need to be available, and the international cricket calendar is already packed. The PCB hasn't announced any dates yet, and finding a suitable window won't be easy. The PSL already faces scheduling pressure. The 2027 edition will clash with the IPL for the third year in a row. There have been talks about moving the PSL to January, but nothing is confirmed. ### What's Next? The governing council is expected to confirm the schedule for next year's PSL and set dates for the player auction. Any decision on the sixes tournament will likely come after those matters are settled. For now, the PCB is keeping details under wraps—team numbers, format specifics, and venues are all still up in the air. Naseer emphasised that the plans are at an early stage. The board will explore the options before making any announcements. If all goes well, the HBL PSL Sixes could become a new favourite for cricket fans. For more cricket news and updates, keep an eye on our blog.