PCB Set To Launch Six-Over-a-Side Franchise League Named 'PSL Sixes'

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are set to introduce an innovative six-a-side cricket tournament, tentatively named 'PSL Sixes', designed to broaden the appeal of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) brand and unearth new talent. The announcement comes on the heels of Pakistan Champions' contentious pullout from the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026, a decision rooted in persistent cricketing rivalries with India. Harry Brook Smashes Fastest Double Century in ODI Cricket.

PCB Announced PSL Sixes

The proposed 'PSL Sixes' tournament aims to replicate the thrilling, fast-paced format popularised by the Hong Kong Sixes, which Pakistan has won a record six times, including the 2025 edition. This new domestic competition is expected to follow a franchise model, featuring teams representing various cities and regions across Pakistan, rather than international sides.

Context: WCL Withdrawal and India Rivalry

Pakistan Champions officially withdrew from the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026, which commenced on October 3, 2026, in the UAE. The decision stemmed from the PCB's refusal to grant unconditional No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to its players. Sources indicate that the PCB, led by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, had sought a written apology from Indian players for their refusal to play against Pakistan Champions in the 2025 WCL edition, along with assurances regarding future participation. These non-commercial demands were rejected by the WCL organisers, leading to Pakistan's withdrawal from the ongoing tournament, where they were scheduled to face Bangladesh on October 3 and Australia on October 5.

'PSL Sixes': A New Chapter for Pakistan Cricket

Speaking on a PSL podcast, PSL chief executive Salman Naseer confirmed that while nothing is finalised, a six-a-side tournament, branded as 'PSL Sixes', is actively being explored for the off-season. "We will look into the prospect of launching this tournament, and it will be very exciting, entertaining and engaging for the fans when it becomes a recurring feature," Naseer stated. The initiative is also intended to take high-quality cricket to "smaller stadiums and smaller cities, where we have not been able to take the PSL, and we know the fans are eager to watch cricket." Sri Lanka Complete Second-Highest Successful Run Chase in ODI History.

Key Objectives of PSL Sixes:

• Brand Expansion: Further augment the Pakistan Super League's global footprint.
• Talent Identification: Discover new cricketing talent from across the country.
• Fan Engagement: Provide a fast-paced, entertaining, and engaging brand of cricket to a wider audience.
• Revenue Generation: Create an additional revenue stream for the PCB through a commercially viable, compact format.
• Geographical Reach: Host matches in smaller cities and stadiums currently not accessible to the full PSL.

While specific dates, teams, and venues for the inaugural 'PSL Sixes' are yet to be announced, the PCB's strategic move underscores Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's ambitious vision to elevate the PSL to become the world's leading franchise cricket league. The tournament is envisioned as a regular fixture, promising to bring a new dimension of cricket excitement to Pakistani fans. This new venture aims to enhance cricket's appeal and reach throughout Pakistan, offering a fresh take on the beloved sport.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 24, 2026 09:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).