PSL's Secret Plan: A Six-a-Side Tournament That Could Change Everything

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-23

The Pakistan Super League might be adding a whole new event to its calendar. According to league CEO Salman Naseer, the PSL is exploring a six-a-side tournament that would run alongside the main competition. The goal? To create another revenue stream for the league and keep the PSL brand active all year round. ### What's the Big Idea? Naseer shared the plans on a recent PSL podcast, saying the concept is still in early stages. The tournament would likely be called the HBL PSL Sixes and take place during 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 on the podcast. He also mentioned that the PCB will study the idea and hopes it becomes a regular feature. A smaller tournament like this could travel to cities and stadiums where the PSL hasn't played yet, helping to grow the league's reach. ### Why a Sixes Tournament? The PCB has been looking for ways to keep the PSL brand alive throughout the year. A six-a-side event fits that goal perfectly. Matches are quick, require fewer players, and are easier to organise. Plus, it could bring top-level cricket to smaller Pakistani cities. So far, the PSL has only used four venues in Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi. The league started in 2016 with matches in the UAE and gradually moved all games to Pakistan by 2020. Adding a sixes tournament could expand that footprint. ### The Challenge: Finding a Window The biggest 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. The main PSL tournament also faces scheduling issues. The 2027 PSL 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. The governing council is expected to finalise the schedule for next year's tournament and set dates for the player auction. Any decision on the sixes event will likely come after that. ### What's Next? Details like the number of teams, match format, and venues are still up in the air. Naseer said the plans are at an early stage and the PCB will explore all options before making an announcement. For now, fans can only wait and see if this sixes tournament becomes a reality. If it does, it could be a game-changer for the PSL and cricket in Pakistan. ### Key Points to Remember - The PSL is considering a six-a-side tournament called HBL PSL Sixes. - It would take place in the off-season and could travel to new cities. - The main challenge is finding a suitable window for foreign players. - The PCB aims to keep the PSL brand active year-round. - No dates or venues have been confirmed yet. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.