The Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB is planning a new Hong Kong Sixes-style tournament to expand cricket’s reach

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led by Mohsin Naqvi, is exploring plans to launch a new six-a-side cricket tournament called the PSL Sixes. The aim is to make cricket more entertaining for fans while expanding the reach of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).The proposal comes after Pakistan withdrew from the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026 due to tensions with India.The league’s chief executive Salman Naseer confirmed on the PSL podcast that the tournament is still under discussion and no final decision has been made.“Nothing is finalised, but there are some exciting plans and one of them is a sixes tournament, called the PSL Sixes, which will be in the off-season. We will look at the prospects of launching this tournament and it will be very exciting, fun and engaging for the fans when it becomes a recurring feature,” he said.

PSL Sixes could go to smaller cities

The PCB is also considering moving the competition to smaller stadiums and cities where regular PSL matches are not held. This could help more fans watch live cricket and give the tournament a wider audience.“Maybe even going to smaller stadiums and smaller cities where we haven’t been able to take the PSL and we know the fans are eager to watch cricket. So a smaller event could be feasible, which is what we are exploring,” he added.Unlike the Hong Kong Sixes, which features teams representing different countries, the proposed PSL Sixes is expected to have a franchise format with teams representing cities and regions in Pakistan.Pakistan have been very successful in the Hong Kong Sixes, winning the tournament six times since its inception in 1992. They are also the defending champions, with the next edition scheduled for 31 October and 1 November.Meanwhile, the PCB has reportedly refused permission for Pakistan’s over-50 team to travel to India for the International Masters Cricket World Cup in January next year. The team had won the previous edition in Sri Lanka, but the board informed the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association that they could not travel to India for the upcoming tournament.