PSL team owner slams IPL [Source: AFP]Just like last year, the year 2026 will also witness two of the biggest franchise leagues going toe-to-toe with each other as India’s IPL will collide against Pakistan’s PSL, with both tournaments starting at almost the same time period. Generally, the window for the PSL and the IPL is different, as the Indian league takes place between March and May, and the PSL commences in February.However, for the last two editions, things have been different. In February 2025, ICC scheduled the Champions Trophy event, and as a result, the PSL was pushed forward. Similarly, the T20 World Cup took place in February 2026, and once again, PSL had to find a window that collided with the IPL.The downfall of PSL colliding with the IPLWith the two big leagues taking place at the same time, the drawback is that whenever an IPL player gets injured, the Indian franchises look for an alternative, and they try to lure players who are taking part in the PSL. More money is offered to such players, and they skip the PSL to play in the IPL.Last year, Corbin Bosch, who was a part of the PSL, switched alliances as he joined the Mumbai Indians and left the Pakistan league midway. Similarly, ahead of the PSL and IPL 2026 season, Zimbabwean pacer, Blessing Muzarabani, who was a part of the Islamabad United, ditched the league and joined KKR.With numerous IPL teams facing an injury crisis, it is expected that several other players, including the likes of Spencer Johnson and Ottneil Baartman, could be lured by the franchises.Also Read: PSL 2026 To Get Postponed? Mohsin Naqvi's PCB Breaks SilenceIslamabad United COO hits back at IPL, praises PSL talent scoutWith Islamabad United suffering from the loss of Muzarabani, the team's COO made a shocking statement as he spat venom against the IPL, and praised PSL’s talent scout."Last year, the players who performed in the PSL were the same ones people claimed weren’t good enough, that’s why they came to the PSL. But then why did IPL pick all of them this year?Even now, if we say quality players aren’t coming here, the very players we questioned last season have been sold for up to 20 crores in the IPL this year. That clearly shows PSL’s foreign talent identification is top-notch."PSL players who leave faces legal actionLast year, it was the South African Corbin Bosch, who left PSL after signing a contract with his franchise. There were reports that the PCB might consider taking legal action against him, but nothing much happened.However, fresh reports have mentioned that PCB and Mohsin Naqvi are serious this time around, and the players who leave PSL for IPL, could face legal consequences.While Bosch was only barred from taking part in the PSL for one-year, Muzarabani could face severe punishment as the PSL could take the legal route against him, and the other players who have signed a deal with the Pakistan T20 tournament before leaving for India.Also Read: Indian Cricket Team's New Schedule Announced
