PSL 2025: A Cricket Showdown Set Against the IPL
This year, cricket fans in India have something new to juggle—watching two of the biggest T20 leagues, Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Indian Premier League (IPL), as their schedules overlap for the first time ever. The PSL 2025 season—marking its tenth edition—kicks off on April 11 and will run a packed campaign until the final on May 18 at the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. For Indian viewers, all matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and available to stream on FanCode, making it the most accessible PSL season yet for fans on this side of the border.
The clash between PSL and IPL is bound to fuel debates between supporters of both leagues. With both tournaments drawing top international talent and riding on the frenzy of the format, fans will have to pick their screens wisely or attempt the ultimate cricket double-feature. While the IPL usually dominates prime time in India, the PSL will air its evening games at 9:00 PM IST and day games at 4:00 PM IST, directly competing for eyeballs—especially when both tournaments have star-studded fixtures lined up on the same nights.
Full Schedule, Star Teams, and Player Line-ups
This season, the PSL features six teams: Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, and Multan Sultans. Each franchise has loaded up on big names to increase their chances in the 34-match run—30 league games and playoffs—in venues across Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi. The opening match sees defending champions Islamabad United take on Lahore Qalandars in Rawalpindi, setting the tone for a high-octane season.
Star Pakistani players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan headline the local charge, while the league’s pull has also attracted international figures such as Australia’s David Warner and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson. Overseas recruits like Daryl Mitchell and Sikandar Raza will add an extra layer of intrigue and competition. Fans are eager to see how the mix of local superstars and global T20 specialists respond to the season’s unique pressures—especially knowing that every standout performance will be compared with the IPL’s happenings on the other side of the border.
- Matches start daily at 9:00 PM IST for evening games and 4:00 PM IST for afternoon clashes.
- Every game in India can be watched live on Sony Sports Network or streamed on FanCode.
- This is the first PSL season to compete head-to-head with IPL, forcing fans to choose or try to watch both leagues at once.
Experts are watching this double-header situation closely. Some believe the PSL’s beefed-up squads and competitive edge will keep South Asian cricket fans glued regardless of IPL’s glitz. Others think the split in attention could push both leagues to raise their games even further, benefitting the viewers with quality cricket every evening for weeks on end.
The rivalry goes beyond the players—now, it’s about capturing the hearts (and screens) of the world’s largest cricket-loving audience. With star power on both sides and matches almost every night, this summer is shaping up to be cricket’s most intense TV battle yet.
