A new Pakistan Super League (PSL) rule allowing teams to finalise line-ups after the toss was implemented during the opening match of the 2026 season.
Captains Shaheen Shah Afridi and Marnus Labuschagne submitted two team sheets each before the toss, selecting their final playing elevens depending on the outcome.
The regulation permits captains to provide two different line-ups in writing to the match referee, giving flexibility before confirming their final selection after toss.
According to clause 1.2.1, each submitted team must include eleven players and up to four substitute fielders, with final confirmation required immediately after toss.
Once a captain signs the chosen team sheet, no changes can be made to the selected playing eleven without approval from the opposing captain.
The rule addresses conditions in night matches, where dew can influence gameplay by making the ball wet and harder for bowlers to control.
Spinners are particularly affected in such situations, often struggling to grip the ball properly, which reduces their effectiveness during the second innings of matches.
The updated playing condition aims to create balance, allowing teams batting first to include extra pace options while chasing sides can strengthen their batting depth.
However, no dew was observed during the opening match due to persistent wind conditions and cloud cover throughout the day at the venue.
