PCB rolls out new PSL 2026 playing conditions, two team sheets allowed to offset dew

The PCB hopes this adjustment will help maintain a fairer balance between both teams across conditions.

Updated on: Mar 27, 2026, 20:19:32 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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The Pakistan Cricket Board has introduced a tweak to the playing conditions for the ongoing Pakistan Super League season, which got underway on Thursday with Lahore Qalandars taking on Hyderabad Kingsmen. In a notable change, teams are now allowed to submit two separate team sheets before the toss. Once the toss is completed, the captain can pick the final XI depending on the match situation.

PSL captains to submit two team sheets. (X Image.)

The move is aimed at reducing the impact of external factors such as dew, which often plays a major role in night games and can tilt the contest in favour of the side batting second, making conditions tougher for the bowlers. The PCB hopes this adjustment will help maintain a fairer balance between both teams across conditions.

“Before the toss, each captain may submit two (2) different XI lineups in writing to the HBL PSL Match Referee. Each lineup must include 11 players and a maximum of four (4) substitute fielders (subject to Clause 1.2.5). After the toss, each captain must finalise one of the two submitted lineups by signing the selected team sheet. Once the final lineup has been nominated, no player listed in the selected playing eleven may be changed before the start of the match without the consent of the opposing captain. It is also to be noted that no player shall be changed after the Call of Play except for concussion replacement," PCB released in a statement.

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Sometime back, the PCB also introduced a rule for domestic first-class matches, doing away with the toss and allowing the visiting captain to decide whether to bat or bowl first.

PSL under closed doors

The PCB said on Sunday that because of the conflict in the region and the austerity and revenue-saving measures announced by the government, the PSL matches would be held without spectators.

The Board also cancelled the opening ceremony and restricted the event to just two venues - Lahore and Karachi. Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars started the tournament with a thumping 69-run win over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the opener, where Fakhar Zaman was named Player of the match for his 53-run knock.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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