The Pakistan Super League 2026 schedule runs from March 26 to May 3, 2026, covering 44 matches across 39 days in six Pakistani cities. As a result, this is the biggest PSL season ever, with eight teams playing for the first time after two new sides joined the league.
Defending champions Lahore Qalandars open the event against newcomers Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi Pindiz make their debut in the third game against Peshawar Zalmi.
Below is everything you need to know about PSL 2026: dates, full fixture list, team squads, venues, groups, and where to watch it live.
PSL 2026 Format & Key Details
The HBL PSL 2026 (also called PSL 11) brings a brand-new group format to the table. The PCB has grown the league from six to eight sides, and as a result, the old double round-robin system has been replaced.
Instead, teams are split into two groups of four. In addition, each side plays its group rivals twice and faces every team from the other group once. Consequently, every franchise plays 10 league-stage matches before the playoffs.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Tournament | HBL Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL 11) |
| Dates | March 26 to May 3, 2026 |
| Total Teams | 8 |
| Total Matches | 44 (40 League Stage + 4 Playoffs) |
| Format | Two Groups of 4; Intra-group (2x) + Inter-group (1x) = 10 matches per team |
| Defending Champions | Lahore Qalandars |
| New Teams | Hyderabad Kingsmen, Rawalpindi Pindiz |
| Prize Money (Winner) | US $500,000 |
| Prize Money (Runner-up) | US $300,000 |
| Organised By | Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) |
How Do the PSL 2026 Playoffs Work?
The playoff system follows a Qualifier-Eliminator format. First, the top two teams play the Qualifier, and the winner goes straight to the final.
On the other hand, teams ranked third and fourth play Eliminator 1. After that, the Qualifier loser faces the Eliminator 1 winner in Eliminator 2. Finally, the Eliminator 2 winner earns the second spot in the final.
PSL 2026 Teams & Groups
For the first time, PSL has eight sides. The two new additions, Hyderabad Kingsmen (owned by FKS Group) and the Rawalpindi Pindiz (bought by Walee Technologies for a record PKR 245 crore), join six well-known franchises.
On top of that, the Multan Sultans brand returned after CD Ventures bought the Sialkot Stallionz franchise and renamed it back to Sultans. So if you were sad about Multan’s exit, they are very much alive and kicking.
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Lahore Qalandars | Islamabad United |
| Karachi Kings | Multan Sultans |
| Quetta Gladiators | Peshawar Zalmi |
| Hyderabad Kingsmen | Rawalpindi Pindiz |
Group A Breakdown
Group A pairs two PSL heavyweights (Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings) with Quetta Gladiators and newcomers Hyderabad Kingsmen. As a result, expect some fiery matchups here, especially the classic Lahore vs Karachi rivalry.
Group B Breakdown
Similarly, Group B is equally loaded. Three-time champions Islamabad United, the returning Multan Sultans, always-dangerous Peshawar Zalmi, and newcomers Rawalpindi Pindiz all promise tough games. In fact, Islamabad vs Peshawar alone is one of PSL’s fiercest rivalries.
PSL 2026 Venues: Where Are the Matches Being Played?
PSL 2026 matches will be played across six cities in Pakistan. Notably, two venues, Faisalabad and Peshawar, are hosting PSL matches for the first time ever. Meanwhile, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore stages both the opening game and the final.
| Venue | City | Matches Hosted |
|---|---|---|
| Gaddafi Stadium | Lahore | 15 |
| Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | Rawalpindi | 11 |
| Iqbal Stadium | Faisalabad | 7 |
| National Bank Stadium | Karachi | 6 |
| Multan Cricket Stadium | Multan | 4 |
| Imran Khan Cricket Stadium | Peshawar | 1 |
Together, Lahore and Rawalpindi host 26 of the 44 matches. That is almost 60% of the entire season in just two cities. However, Peshawar gets only one game this time around.
Still, that single match marks the debut of the newly built Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in PSL history. It is a small step for the league, but a meaningful one for Zalmi fans who have waited years for home games.
PSL 2026 Full Schedule: All 44 Matches
Here is the complete PSL 2026 match schedule with dates, fixtures, venues, and match timings. Night matches start at 8:00 PM PKT (7:30 PM IST / 3:00 PM GMT). On the other hand, day games begin at 2:30 PM PKT (2:00 PM IST / 9:30 AM GMT).
League Stage Matches (March 26 to April 26)
| # | Date | Fixture | Venue | Time (PKT) | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mar 26 | Lahore Qalandars vs Hyderabad Kingsmen | Lahore | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 2 | Mar 27 | Quetta Gladiators vs Karachi Kings | Lahore | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 3 | Mar 28 | Peshawar Zalmi vs Rawalpindi Pindiz | Peshawar | 2:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 4 | Mar 28 | Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United | Lahore | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 5 | Mar 29 | Quetta Gladiators vs Hyderabad Kingsmen | Lahore | 2:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 6 | Mar 29 | Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings | Lahore | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 7 | Mar 31 | Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi | Rawalpindi | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 8 | Apr 1 | Multan Sultans vs Hyderabad Kingsmen | Multan | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 9 | Apr 2 | Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators | Rawalpindi | 2:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 10 | Apr 2 | Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Karachi Kings | Rawalpindi | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 11 | Apr 3 | Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars | Multan | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 12 | Apr 4 | Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Islamabad United | Rawalpindi | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 13 | Apr 5 | Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators | Multan | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 14 | Apr 6 | Multan Sultans vs Rawalpindi Pindiz | Multan | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 15 | Apr 8 | Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Peshawar Zalmi | Karachi | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 16 | Apr 9 | Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United | Faisalabad | 2:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 17 | Apr 9 | Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi | Karachi | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 18 | Apr 10 | Quetta Gladiators vs Rawalpindi Pindiz | Karachi | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 19 | Apr 11 | Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars | Faisalabad | 2:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 20 | Apr 11 | Karachi Kings vs Hyderabad Kingsmen | Karachi | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 21 | Apr 12 | Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Islamabad United | Karachi | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 22 | Apr 13 | Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans | Faisalabad | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 23 | Apr 15 | Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators | Faisalabad | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 24 | Apr 16 | Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Rawalpindi Pindiz | Faisalabad | 2:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 25 | Apr 16 | Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United | Karachi | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 26 | Apr 17 | Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators | Faisalabad | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 27 | Apr 18 | Lahore Qalandars vs Rawalpindi Pindiz | Faisalabad | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 28 | Apr 19 | Multan Sultans vs Karachi Kings | Lahore | 2:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 29 | Apr 19 | Quetta Gladiators vs Hyderabad Kingsmen | Lahore | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 30 | Apr 21 | Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators | Lahore | 2:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 31 | Apr 21 | Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Multan Sultans | Rawalpindi | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 32 | Apr 22 | Karachi Kings vs Hyderabad Kingsmen | Lahore | 2:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 33 | Apr 22 | Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans | Rawalpindi | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 34 | Apr 23 | Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Islamabad United | Rawalpindi | 2:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 35 | Apr 23 | Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings | Lahore | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 36 | Apr 24 | Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi | Lahore | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 37 | Apr 25 | Quetta Gladiators vs Karachi Kings | Lahore | 2:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 38 | Apr 25 | Lahore Qalandars vs Hyderabad Kingsmen | Lahore | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 39 | Apr 26 | Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Peshawar Zalmi | Rawalpindi | 2:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 40 | Apr 26 | Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans | Rawalpindi | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
Playoff Matches (April 28 to May 3)
Once the league stage wraps up on April 26, the top four teams move into the knockout phase. Here is the playoff schedule:
| # | Date | Fixture | Venue | Time (PKT) | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | Apr 28 | Qualifier (1st vs 2nd) | Rawalpindi | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 42 | Apr 29 | Eliminator 1 (3rd vs 4th) | Lahore | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 43 | May 1 | Eliminator 2 | Lahore | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 44 | May 3 | FINAL | Lahore | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
Double-Header Match Days
Additionally, double-headers are scheduled on March 28, 29, April 2, 9, 11, 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, and April 26. On these days, the first game starts in the afternoon and the second takes place under lights.
For example, on March 28, Peshawar Zalmi vs Rawalpindi Pindiz kicks off as a day game in Peshawar. Later that evening, Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United follows under floodlights in Multan.
Key Players to Watch in PSL 2026
Every PSL season produces standout performers. However, some names already carry extra weight heading into PSL 11. Here are the ones to keep your eyes on.
Pace Bowling Stars
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars) captains the defending champions and remains one of the most feared fast bowlers in T20 cricket. Specifically, his left-arm pace and ability to strike early make him a constant threat.
Similarly, Naseem Shah (Rawalpindi Pindiz) fetched a record auction price and carries the hopes of the new franchise. His raw pace regularly crosses 150 kph, which can turn any game in one spell.
Batting Powerhouses
David Warner (Karachi Kings) brings a mountain of T20 experience to the table. The Australian left-hander has been consistent across every major league and will captain Karachi’s batting charge.
In addition, Steve Smith (Multan Sultans) joins the PSL for a rare T20 league outing. While not a typical T20 specialist, Smith’s hunger and ability to adapt make him a wildcard.
Furthermore, Mohammad Rizwan (Rawalpindi Pindiz) captains the Pindiz and will open the batting. His record as one of the most reliable T20I batters in the world speaks for itself.
All-Rounders & Match Winners
Shadab Khan (Islamabad United) has led United to three titles already. His leg-spin and lower-order hitting make him one of the most valuable all-rounders in Pakistan cricket. Consequently, United will lean on him heavily once again.
Also worth watching is Sikandar Raza (Lahore Qalandars), whose experience in global T20 leagues gives Lahore extra balance in the middle order.
PSL 2026 Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
Watching PSL 2026 is simple whether you are in Pakistan, India, or anywhere else. Walee Technologies secured the broadcast and streaming rights for a record PKR 26.11 billion (roughly $93 million) under a four-year deal.
TV Broadcast in Pakistan
Fans in Pakistan can watch matches on PTV Sports and ARY Sports. Both channels will carry full coverage with Urdu commentary throughout the season.
Online Streaming in Pakistan
In addition, the official HBL PSL app offers live streaming within Pakistan. On top of that, the PCB’s YouTube channel has provided free access in past seasons, so keep an eye on that too.
How to Watch PSL 2026 in India
For viewers in India, FanCode holds the exclusive digital streaming rights for PSL 2026. Additionally, Sony TV may broadcast PSL matches on television in India, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka.
However, there is no confirmed official TV broadcast partner in India as of now. Therefore, FanCode remains the safest bet for Indian cricket fans who want to catch every ball.
International Broadcast Partners
| Region | Broadcaster / Streamer |
|---|---|
| Pakistan (TV) | PTV Sports, ARY Sports |
| Pakistan (Streaming) | HBL PSL Official App |
| India (Digital) | FanCode |
| India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka (TV) | Sony TV (expected) |
| USA & Canada | Willow TV |
| Bangladesh | T Sports |
| Rest of the World | Sports Central / Regional broadcasters |
Broadcasting details may change closer to the tournament. Therefore, always check the official PCB website for the latest updates.
PSL Winners List: All Champions From 2016 to 2025
Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars are the most successful sides in PSL history, with three titles each. Below is the complete list of PSL champions since the league started in 2016.
| Year | Season | Winner | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | PSL 1 | Islamabad United | Quetta Gladiators |
| 2017 | PSL 2 | Peshawar Zalmi | Quetta Gladiators |
| 2018 | PSL 3 | Islamabad United | Peshawar Zalmi |
| 2019 | PSL 4 | Quetta Gladiators | Peshawar Zalmi |
| 2020 | PSL 5 | Karachi Kings | Lahore Qalandars |
| 2021 | PSL 6 | Multan Sultans | Peshawar Zalmi |
| 2022 | PSL 7 | Lahore Qalandars | Multan Sultans |
| 2023 | PSL 8 | Lahore Qalandars | Multan Sultans |
| 2024 | PSL 9 | Islamabad United | Multan Sultans |
| 2025 | PSL 10 | Lahore Qalandars | Quetta Gladiators |
Lahore Qalandars enter PSL 2026 as the team to beat after winning three of the last four seasons. However, history shows that holding on to the title in the PSL is never easy. In contrast, Islamabad United have a habit of bouncing back when least expected.
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Conclusion: PSL Starts From 26th March 2026
The Pakistan Super League 2026 is shaping up to be the most exciting edition in the tournament’s history. With eight teams, two new sides, a fresh group format, and 44 matches across six venues, fans on both sides of the border have plenty to enjoy.
From Shaheen Afridi’s Lahore Qalandars defending their crown to Rizwan’s Rawalpindi Pindiz making noise as newcomers, PSL 11 promises upsets, drama, and top-class cricket. Bookmark this page for schedule updates as the tournament unfolds.
