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PSL 2026 schedule revised amid crisis, matches shifted to Lahore and Karachi

  • Writer: Laiba Abbasi
    Laiba Abbasi
  • 1 day ago
  • 2 min read

The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially unveiled a revised schedule for the Pakistan Super League 2026 season, confirming that the entire tournament will now be staged exclusively in Lahore and Karachi due to the ongoing Middle East war and its impact on fuel availability in Pakistan.


In a statement released on Sunday, March 22, the PCB also confirmed that all matches will be played behind closed doors, marking a significant shift from the original plan, which included six venues—Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Multan, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad.




Major Venue Changes



Under the revised schedule, Rawalpindi has lost hosting rights for key knockout matches. The Qualifier, initially slated for Rawalpindi, will now be held in Karachi, while Lahore will continue to host Eliminator 1, Eliminator 2, and the final on May 3.


The decision comes as part of broader logistical adjustments aimed at ensuring smooth operations during the ongoing crisis. The PCB has also assured fans that ticket refunds will be processed, while franchises will receive compensation for financial losses incurred due to the changes.



Updated Match Timings



The board has also revised match timings:


  • Day matches: 2:30 PM local time

  • Night matches: 7:00 PM local time




Tournament to Begin in Lahore



The tournament will kick off on March 26 in Lahore, with defending champions Lahore Qalandars taking on Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen in a night fixture.


Lahore will host the bulk of the early matches, including key clashes such as:





Karachi Leg Begins April 8



The action will shift to Karachi from April 8, starting with Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen facing Peshawar Zalmi. Karachi will then host a series of high-profile encounters, including:


  • Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United (April 9, day)

  • Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi (April 9, night)

  • Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans (April 13, night)




Knockout Stage Confirmed



The playoff schedule has also been finalized:


  • Qualifier: April 28 in Karachi

  • Eliminator 1: April 29 in Lahore

  • Eliminator 2: May 1 in Lahore

  • Final: May 3 in Lahore




Franchise Reshuffle Adds Intrigue



The revised schedule also follows a period of structural changes within the league, with new teams like Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz entering the competition, adding fresh intrigue to the tournament.


Despite the unprecedented circumstances, the PCB remains committed to delivering a complete PSL season, albeit under restricted conditions, with player safety and operational feasibility taking priority.


With a packed schedule, revised logistics, and evolving team dynamics, PSL 2026 promises to be one of the most unusual yet closely watched editions in the league’s history.


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