IPL, PSL Set to Clash in 2025; PCB Seeks Players Left Out of IPL Auction

NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) are set to clash for the first time in 2025, as both leagues run simultaneously. With the IPL auction already completed, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now focusing on signing high-profile international players who were not picked for the IPL.

Two of the world’s top batters, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson, are not expected to play in the PSL this season. The PCB is also in talks with the England Cricket Board (ECB) to allow its players to participate in the T20 league, which will run in April and May.

In the upcoming PSL draft on January 11, several high-profile players will be placed in the Platinum category. Australian players like David Warner, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes, and Mustafizur Rahman are among the stars expected to be part of this category. Matthew Short, Riley Meredith, and Steve Smith (pending confirmation) are also set to join the league.

Top English players, including Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, and Jason Roy, will feature in the Platinum category. New Zealand's Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, and Kane Williamson (pending confirmation) are also included. Additionally, Shai Hope from the West Indies and Charith Asalanka from Sri Lanka will be part of this exclusive group.

However, due to prior commitments, both Williamson and Smith have excused themselves from the PSL. Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, who is serving a bowling ban, will only play as a batter in the league.

Several other international stars, such as Chris Lynn, Daryl Mitchell, and Tim Southee, are also expected to play in the Platinum category, with others placed in the Diamond and Gold divisions.