The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has introduced a new rule which allows teams to submit two playing XIs before the toss.
New PSL regulation to possibly reduce the impact of dew
The PSL 2026 opener between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen, who are playing their debut season, saw the regulation being used for the first time. The two captains can now submit two team sheets each to the match referee before the toss, and choose one of the two XIs depending upon how it goes.
The new regulations come under clause 1.2.1 of the latest PSL playing conditions, which reads: “Before the toss, each captain may submit two different XI lineups in writing to the PSL Match Referee. Each lineup must include 11 players and a maximum of four substitute fielders. 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.”
The new regulation reduces the impact toss can have, especially in night matches in the subcontinent, where the onset of dew tilts the scale heavily in the favour of the team batting second. Teams could accordingly engineer two XIs keeping in mind the role of the dew and choose one depending upon when they are required to bowl. The rule would thus let PSL sides play a pacer over a spinner if they have to defend in matches where heavy dew is predicted, while teams chasing could decide to play an extra batter to go hard at the target.
Lahore Qalandars start PSL 2026 season with a win
Defending champions Lahore Qalandars, meanwhile, began their campaign with a commanding win over Hyderabad. Batting first, Lahore posted 199-6, Fakhar Zaman top-scored with a 39-ball 53, while Sikandar Raza slammed a quickfire 10-ball 24. In reply, Hyderabad were bowled out for 133, losing by 69 runs.
Match 1, Lahore Qalandars vs Hyderabad Kingsmen
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- Ball by ball Over
Find the full updated schedule of PSL 2026 here.
Image courtesy: PSL
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