HBL PSL 11 | March 26 – May 3, 2026 | 44 Matches | 39 Days | 8 Teams
Last Updated: March 30, 2026
Introduction: The Biggest PSL Season Ever Is Here
The Pakistan Super League has never been this big. HBL PSL 2026 — officially PSL Season 11 — is the most expansive, most competitive, and most structurally ambitious edition in the tournament’s ten-year history. With eight teams competing for the first time, a completely revamped group-stage format, a brand-new live auction system replacing the decade-old draft, and 44 matches spread across 39 electrifying days, PSL 2026 is rewriting every record the league has ever set.
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The tournament runs from March 26 to May 3, 2026, and every match is being played at just two venues — Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore and National Bank Stadium, Karachi — following a revised scheduling decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board on March 22, 2026. The change came in response to a fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict, and while it means the tournament operates without spectators and without the spread of other cities, cricket fans are still treated to wall-to-wall action on their screens.
This is your definitive guide to the PSL 2026 match schedule — every fixture, every phase, every team, and every key date you need to mark on your calendar.
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Tournament Overview: What Makes PSL 2026 Different
Eight Teams for the First Time
For the first ten editions of the PSL, six franchises competed. PSL 2026 breaks that mould permanently. Two entirely new franchises — Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindi Pindiz — were awarded their licences in January 2026 after a combined investment exceeding PKR 36 billion. Rawalpindi Pindiz, owned by Walee Technologies, became the most expensive franchise in PSL history, paying PKR 245 crore for their slot. Both new teams have been active from the very first match, and PSL 2026 marks their debut.
The First-Ever Live Auction
PSL had used a draft system since its inaugural season in 2016 — ten years of player categories, fixed orders, and predictable squad-building. That era ended on February 11, 2026, when the first-ever live PSL auction was held in Lahore. For the first time, all eight franchises bid openly and competitively for players in real time, with a team purse capped at PKR 45 crore (extendable to PKR 50.5 crore for a direct overseas signing). The results were dramatic.
Rawalpindi Pindiz shattered the record books by securing Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah for PKR 8.65 crore — the most expensive player ever sold at a PSL auction — followed by New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell for PKR 8.05 crore. Australian veteran Steve Smith was signed by Multan Sultans on a direct signing worth PKR 14 crore, technically the highest individual fee this season.
Behind Closed Doors — No Opening Ceremony
On March 22, the PCB announced that due to the regional security situation and fuel austerity measures, all PSL 2026 matches would be played behind closed doors without spectators. Additionally, the traditional opening ceremony — always one of the most-watched events in Pakistani entertainment — was cancelled for this edition. Fans who had already purchased tickets were offered full refunds, and franchises were compensated for the revenue loss.
The Season Overlaps with the IPL
For the second consecutive year, the PSL 2026 season runs simultaneously with the Indian Premier League 2026, creating a global festival of T20 cricket throughout April and early May. While PSL broadcasting rights for India were withheld by the PCB in the latest media deal, international audiences in the Middle East, Europe, and elsewhere can follow both leagues at the same time.
The New Format Explained: Two Groups, Ten Matches Each
The expansion to eight teams made the old double round-robin format unworkable. In its place, the PCB has introduced a two-group system.
Group A
- Lahore Qalandars
- Karachi Kings
- Peshawar Zalmi
- Quetta Gladiators
Group B
- Islamabad United
- Multan Sultans
- Rawalpindi Pindiz
- Hyderabad Kingsmen
How matches work: Each team plays the other three teams in their group twice (6 matches) and each of the four teams in the opposing group once (4 matches), giving every franchise exactly 10 league matches. The top four teams at the end of the league stage advance to the playoffs.
Match Schedule: Phase One — The Early Weeks (March 26 – April 9)
The tournament opened on March 26 with defending champions Lahore Qalandars hosting Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Qalandars won convincingly by 69 runs, setting an early tone of dominance. The following matches rolled out rapidly:
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue | Time (PKT) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 26 | Lahore Qalandars vs Hyderabad Kingsmen | Lahore | 7:00 PM | LQ won by 69 runs |
| 2 | March 27 | Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators | Lahore | 7:00 PM | KK won by 14 runs |
| 3 | March 28 | Peshawar Zalmi vs Rawalpindi Pindiz | Lahore | 2:30 PM | PZ won by 1 wkt |
| 4 | March 28 | Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United | Lahore | 7:00 PM | MS won by 5 wkts |
| 5 | March 29 | Quetta Gladiators vs Hyderabad Kingsmen | Lahore | 2:30 PM | QG won by 40 runs |
| 6 | March 29 | Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings | Lahore | 7:00 PM | KK won by 4 wkts |
| 7 | March 31 | Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi | Lahore | 7:00 PM | TBD |
| 8 | April 1 | Multan Sultans vs Hyderabad Kingsmen | Lahore | 7:00 PM | TBD |
| 9 | April 2 | Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United | Lahore | 2:30 PM | TBD |
| 10 | April 2 | Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Karachi Kings | Lahore | 7:00 PM | TBD |
| 11 | April 3 | Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans | Lahore | 7:00 PM | TBD |
| 12 | April 4 | Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Islamabad United | Lahore | 7:00 PM | TBD |
| 13 | April 5 | Quetta Gladiators vs Multan Sultans | Lahore | 7:00 PM | TBD |
| 14 | April 6 | Multan Sultans vs Rawalpindi Pindiz | Lahore | 7:00 PM | TBD |
| 15 | April 8 | Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Peshawar Zalmi | Karachi | 7:00 PM | TBD |
| 16 | April 9 | Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United | Karachi | 2:30 PM | TBD |
| 17 | April 9 | Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi | Karachi | 7:00 PM | TBD |
Double-header days in this phase: March 28, 29, April 2, and April 9. These days are critical for the schedule’s rhythm, allowing multiple matchups to unfold within a single day — afternoon and evening contests back to back.
Match Schedule: Phase Two — The Middle Stretch (April 10 – April 19)
The middle portion of the tournament is the most densely packed. Several double-headers are clustered in this period, and by this stage, every match will have significant implications for the playoff race.
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue | Time (PKT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | April 10 | Quetta Gladiators vs Lahore Qalandars | Karachi | 2:30 PM |
| 19 | April 10 | Islamabad United vs Hyderabad Kingsmen | Karachi | 7:00 PM |
| 20 | April 11 | Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United | Karachi | 2:30 PM |
| 21 | April 11 | Multan Sultans vs Peshawar Zalmi | Karachi | 7:00 PM |
| 22 | April 12 | Lahore Qalandars vs Rawalpindi Pindiz | Karachi | 7:00 PM |
| 23 | April 13 | Quetta Gladiators vs Karachi Kings | Karachi | 7:00 PM |
| 24 | April 15 | Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Multan Sultans | Karachi | 7:00 PM |
| 25 | April 16 | Lahore Qalandars vs Peshawar Zalmi | Karachi | 2:30 PM |
| 26 | April 16 | Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Quetta Gladiators | Karachi | 7:00 PM |
| 27 | April 17 | Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans | Karachi | 7:00 PM |
| 28 | April 18 | Karachi Kings vs Hyderabad Kingsmen | Karachi | 7:00 PM |
| 29 | April 19 | Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators | Karachi | 2:30 PM |
| 30 | April 19 | Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United | Karachi | 7:00 PM |
This phase features the first Lahore vs Peshawar clash of the tournament on April 16, which promises to be a battle of two of PSL’s most decorated teams — Shaheen vs Babar, arch-rivals fighting for a playoff spot.
Match Schedule: Phase Three — The Final Push (April 20 – April 26)
The last week of the league stage is where the playoff race typically comes down to a handful of games. Several double-headers are scheduled, and by April 24 onwards, every contest could eliminate or qualify teams.
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue | Time (PKT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | April 20 | Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Peshawar Zalmi | Lahore | 7:00 PM |
| 32 | April 21 | Karachi Kings vs Multan Sultans | Lahore | 2:30 PM |
| 33 | April 21 | Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars | Lahore | 7:00 PM |
| 34 | April 22 | Quetta Gladiators vs Rawalpindi Pindiz | Lahore | 2:30 PM |
| 35 | April 22 | Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Karachi Kings | Lahore | 7:00 PM |
| 36 | April 23 | Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United | Lahore | 7:00 PM |
| 37 | April 24 | Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators | Lahore | 7:00 PM |
| 38 | April 25 | Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Hyderabad Kingsmen | Lahore | 2:30 PM |
| 39 | April 25 | Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings | Lahore | 7:00 PM |
| 40 | April 26 | Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators | Lahore | 2:30 PM |
| 41 | April 26 | Islamabad United vs Rawalpindi Pindiz | Lahore | 7:00 PM |
Match 39 — Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings on April 25 — is the second meeting between these fierce rivals in PSL 2026. Given the ball-tampering drama from their first clash on March 29, this rematch under the Gaddafi Stadium lights is already one of the most anticipated fixtures on the entire calendar.
The Playoffs: Semi-Finals & Final
After 40 league matches, the four highest-ranked teams move into a knockout phase modelled on the IPL’s playoff system.
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue | Time (PKT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifier | April 28 | 1st vs 2nd | Karachi (NBS) | 7:00 PM |
| Eliminator 1 | April 29 | 3rd vs 4th | Lahore (Gaddafi) | 7:00 PM |
| Eliminator 2 | May 1 | Qualifier Loser vs Eliminator 1 Winner | Lahore (Gaddafi) | 7:00 PM |
| FINAL | May 3 | Qualifier Winner vs Eliminator 2 Winner | Lahore (Gaddafi) | 7:00 PM |
| Reserve Day | May 4 | (If needed) | Lahore | 7:00 PM |
Key note: The Qualifier is the only playoff match in Karachi. All three remaining knockout games — Eliminator 1, Eliminator 2, and the Grand Final — are held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, which has become the spiritual home of PSL cricket.
The playoff format gives the top two teams a significant advantage: win the Qualifier and you go straight to the Final. Lose the Qualifier and you still have another chance via Eliminator 2. Third and fourth-placed teams must win two knockout games to reach the final.
Match Timings: When to Watch
PSL 2026 uses two standard timeslots throughout the tournament:
- Night matches (majority): 7:00 PM PKT | 3:00 PM GMT | 8:30 PM IST
- Day/Night matches (double-headers): 2:30 PM PKT | 9:30 AM GMT | 3:00 PM IST
Almost 90% of all PSL 2026 matches begin at 7:00 PM PKT. Day games are reserved for the afternoon legs of double-headers, primarily on weekends, when two games are scheduled back-to-back to maximise viewership.
The Eight Teams & Their Key Players
Group A
Lahore Qalandars — Captain: Shaheen Shah Afridi The defending champions and three-time PSL winners are the team to beat. Shaheen leads the attack with Haris Rauf and Mustafizur Rahman, while the batting features Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, and Haseebullah Khan. Their biggest challenge: sustaining consistency across 10 matches and avoiding the off-field controversies that have clouded their early campaign.
Karachi Kings — Captain: David Warner The most improved team so far in PSL 2026. David Warner brings leadership and explosive batting at the top, supported by Moeen Ali, Adam Zampa, Hasan Ali, and Mir Hamza. Currently the only team with a perfect 2/2 record, Karachi look capable of going deep.
Peshawar Zalmi — Captain: Babar Azam Pakistan’s premier batter leads a well-balanced squad that includes Kusal Mendis, James Vince, Michael Bracewell, and Mohammad Haris. Zalmi’s bowling unit features Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, and Sufiyan Muqeem. Already off to a winning start, they are genuine contenders.
Quetta Gladiators — Captain: Saud Shakeel Under new leadership, Quetta have a powerful batting lineup featuring Rilee Rossouw, Shamyl Hussain, and Hasan Nawaz — who leads the tournament’s run-scoring chart so far with 106 runs. Their bowling includes Abrar Ahmed, Spencer Johnson, and Alzarri Joseph. Quetta have won their first match of the season after a defeat in the opener.
Group B
Islamabad United — Captain: Shadab Khan Three-time champions and always dangerous, Islamabad are led by Shadab Khan and boosted by Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Faheem Ashraf, and Imad Wasim. Chapman has the tournament’s best strike rate (190.48) so far. They lost their opener to Multan but remain a formidable unit.
Multan Sultans — Captain: Ashton Turner The new Multan Sultans — essentially a rebranded Sialkot Stallionz franchise — won their first match of the season over Islamabad United. Steve Smith (direct signing, PKR 14 crore), Tabraiz Shamsi, Sahibzada Farhan, and Josh Philippe are their key performers. Ashton Turner provides calm, experienced leadership.
Rawalpindi Pindiz — Captain: Mohammad Rizwan The most talked-about debutants in PSL history. Pindiz spent an extraordinary amount at auction — Naseem Shah (PKR 8.65 cr), Daryl Mitchell (PKR 8.05 cr), and Mohammad Amir in the same squad. Yasir Khan has already shown his quality with an 83-run knock. Rizwan provides the steady hand and wicketkeeping expertise. They lost their opener to Peshawar but are loaded with talent.
Hyderabad Kingsmen — Captain: Marnus Labuschagne The other new franchise, captained by Australian Test stalwart Marnus Labuschagne — an unusual choice for a T20 captain, but Hyderabad are thinking differently. Their squad features Glenn Maxwell, Kusal Perera, Riley Meredith, Saim Ayub, and three USA-based Pakistani players in Shayan Jahangir, Hassan Khan, and Hammad Azam. They have lost both their matches so far, but the potential in this squad is enormous.
Key Dates to Watch
- March 31: Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi — early Group B clash with playoff implications
- April 3: Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans — defending champions vs surprise package
- April 9: Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi — David Warner vs Babar Azam
- April 16: Lahore Qalandars vs Peshawar Zalmi — Shaheen Afridi vs Babar Azam in a battle of Pakistan’s biggest rivalries
- April 22: Quetta Gladiators vs Rawalpindi Pindiz — Pindiz need a win to revive their campaign
- April 25: Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings — the second chapter of the ball-tampering rivalry
- April 28: Qualifier — first taste of knockout cricket
- May 3: THE FINAL at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Where to Watch PSL 2026 Live
Pakistan (TV)
- A Sports — primary broadcaster
- PTV Sports — state broadcaster with wide coverage
- Geo Super — cricket’s home on Pakistani television
- Ten Sports
Digital Streaming (Pakistan & International)
- Tapmad — official digital streaming platform
- Tamasha — popular app with free tier
- Myco — digital streaming service
International Broadcast
Walee Technologies won all international broadcast rights at the latest PSL media deal, which saw a 149% increase in rights value compared to the previous cycle. International viewers in the UAE, UK, USA, Australia, and across the cricket-watching world can access matches through their regional platforms.
Note: No live telecast or streaming of PSL 2026 is available in India, following the PCB’s decision to withhold broadcasting rights for the Indian market.
Points Table (After Match 6 — March 29, 2026)
| Team | M | W | L | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karachi Kings | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +ve |
| Lahore Qalandars | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | +ve |
| Peshawar Zalmi | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +ve |
| Multan Sultans | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +ve |
| Quetta Gladiators | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -ve |
| Rawalpindi Pindiz | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -ve |
| Hyderabad Kingsmen | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -ve |
| Islamabad United | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -ve |
With 38 matches still to play, the standings will undergo dramatic shifts. Every team still has a viable path to the playoffs.
PSL 2026 Records & Statistics So Far
- Most Runs (Tournament): Shamyl Hussain (Quetta Gladiators) — 106 runs
- Most Wickets: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars) — 5 wickets
- Most Sixes: Shamyl Hussain — 7 sixes
- Best Strike Rate: Mark Chapman (Islamabad United) — 190.48
- Best Bowling Figures: Shaheen Shah Afridi — 4/18 (Match 6)
- Highest Individual Score: Yasir Khan (Rawalpindi Pindiz) — 83 off 46 balls (Match 3)
- Most Expensive PSL Auction Player: Naseem Shah — PKR 8.65 crore (Rawalpindi Pindiz)
Conclusion: A Season That Is Already Writing History
The PSL 2026 match schedule is the most ambitious fixture list the tournament has ever published — 44 matches, 39 days, eight teams, and a playoff finale that promises to be a grand spectacle at Gaddafi Stadium on May 3. From the opening ball on March 26 to the last delivery of the final, there is barely a dull day on the calendar.
The first six matches have already given us viral moments: a record chase of 215, a ball-tampering controversy that flipped a final-over equation, Shaheen Afridi’s brilliant but heartbreaking 4/18, the rise of new franchise Rawalpindi Pindiz, and Karachi Kings sitting atop the table with a perfect record. And there are still more than five weeks to go.
Whether you are a die-hard fan tracking every ball or a casual viewer catching the weekend double-headers, the PSL 2026 schedule ensures you are never more than 24 hours away from the next big match. Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and follow every twist of what is already shaping up to be the greatest PSL season in history.
Quick Reference:
- 🗓 Start Date: March 26, 2026
- 🏁 Final Date: May 3, 2026
- 📍 Venues: Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) | National Bank Stadium (Karachi)
- 🏆 Total Matches: 44 (40 League + 4 Playoffs)
- ⏰ Night Match Timings: 7:00 PM PKT | 3:00 PM GMT
- 📺 TV: A Sports, PTV Sports, Geo Super, Ten Sports
- 📱 Streaming: Tapmad, Tamasha, Myco
