The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2027 will be held from 18 March to 2 May, meaning the tournament will overlap with the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the third successive year. The IPL is expected to run from 10 March to 15 May.

The dates were announced on Thursday following what the PCB described as “extensive consultation with all key stakeholders”, including the eight franchise owners, who met in London on 1 September.

Following the PSL Governing Council meeting, it was reported that the event broadcaster had proposed an earlier window next year over concerns about reduced advertising revenue in April-May, when companies have largely exhausted their marketing budgets following Ramazan.

Franchise owners, however, expressed concerns about receiving their full share of broadcast revenue, as the eight teams are collectively entitled to 95% of broadcast income from the central revenue pool. It remains unclear whether the PCB has fully distributed the franchises’ share.

The PCB said details of direct signings, player retentions, the trade window, player auction, match schedule and ticketing would be announced in due course.

Peshawar Zalmi will defend their title after defeating debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets in Lahore this year. The tournament was restricted to Karachi and Lahore, largely in front of empty stands, as part of the PCB’s austerity measures.

However, the 2027 edition is expected to expand to Rawalpindi, Multan and Faisalabad, with Hyderabad also a possibility if the Niaz Stadium is ready in time.

Besides Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kingsmen, the participating teams will be Islamabad United, Multan Sultans, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators and Rawalpindiz.

The tournament is expected to feature 44 matches over 46 days.