The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is exploring plans to introduce a separate six-a-side cricket tournament during the off-season, according to league chief executive Salman Naseer. The proposed competition, tentatively named the HBL PSL Sixes, would follow a format similar to the Hong Kong Sixes and could help keep the PSL brand active throughout the year.
Speaking in a PSL podcast episode ahead of the governing council meeting, Naseer confirmed that the idea was under consideration but stressed that no final decision had been made. He said the proposed tournament could offer an exciting and entertaining experience for fans while creating new opportunities for the league and its franchises.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been examining ways to introduce an additional competition within the PSL’s existing framework. The plan could provide franchises and the league’s media rights partner with another potential revenue stream while increasing cricket-related activity outside the main PSL season.
One of the key objectives would be to take professional cricket to smaller cities across Pakistan. A six-a-side competition would require fewer players and potentially less logistical support than a full-scale tournament, making it easier to organise matches at venues that have not previously hosted PSL games.
Naseer suggested that a shorter competition could help bring the excitement of franchise cricket to fans in areas where the PSL has yet to expand. He added that the league would continue exploring the concept before deciding whether it could become a regular feature of the cricket calendar.
Since the PSL was brought entirely to Pakistan in 2020, the tournament has been played across four main venues: Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi. The league began in 2016 in the United Arab Emirates before the PCB gradually shifted matches to Pakistan over subsequent seasons.
Expanding the tournament to smaller cities could help the PCB reach new audiences, strengthen the league’s popularity and provide local fans with opportunities to watch franchise cricket live. However, the proposal would still require careful planning, particularly regarding venues, scheduling and player availability.
Finding a suitable window for overseas players is expected to be one of the biggest challenges. The PCB has already confirmed that the 2027 PSL is expected to overlap with the Indian Premier League for the third consecutive year, potentially complicating recruitment and availability for another competition.
For now, the HBL PSL Sixes remains a concept under discussion rather than a confirmed tournament. Further details, including its schedule, participating teams and venues, will depend on the PCB’s discussions with franchises and other stakeholders.
