The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is exploring plans to launch a six-a-side tournament during the off-season, a move meant to keep the league in the public eye for more of the year. PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer said the proposed event, tentatively named "PSL Sixes", could follow a format similar to the Hong Kong Sixes. He was clear that the idea is still under consideration and that no final decision has been made.
What the proposed PSL Sixes could look like
Naseer spoke during a PSL podcast released ahead of a governing council meeting. "Nothing is finalized, but there are some exciting plans, and one of them is a sixes tournament," he said, adding that it would take place in the off-season. He said the league would look into launching the event and that it could become a recurring feature if the plans move forward.
The idea is part of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) wider effort to keep the PSL brand active beyond its regular season. A second event of this kind could also open new revenue opportunities for franchises and commercial partners.
Taking cricket to smaller cities
One possible benefit is reach. Naseer suggested a smaller event could go to stadiums and cities where the PSL has not yet been staged, noting that fans there are eager to watch cricket. A six-a-side competition uses fewer players and a shorter schedule, so it would need less logistical support, which makes smaller venues a more practical option.
Why the timing is difficult
Finding a suitable window is the main challenge. Overseas players who take part in the PSL are also involved in other domestic and international tournaments, and their availability limits when a sixes event could be held. No dates, venues or final format have been announced.
Background on the league
The PSL was launched in 2016 and was first held in the United Arab Emirates. Matches were gradually moved to Pakistan, and since 2020 the entire competition has been staged in the country, with Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi as its main venues. That shift to home soil is the backdrop for any new event that would take cricket to smaller cities.
Aasan alfaaz mein
PSL ek chhota six-a-side tournament, jise abhi PSL Sixes kaha ja raha hai, off-season mein shuru karne ka soch raha hai. Abhi koi final faisla nahi hua, aur iski date ya jagah bhi tay nahi hui. Aam cricket fan ke liye iska matlab ye ho sakta hai ke chhote shehron mein bhi PSL dekhne ka mauqa mil sake. Jab tak official elaan nahi hota, PCB ki taraf se aane wali khabrein dekhte rahein.
