This PSL has been neither too short nor too long. Hence it has been so entertaining and enjoyable to watch. We should either stick with the present system of 5 teams or have maybe one more team. Anything more than 6 teams will make the league tediously long & less competitive. Fewer teams ensures that players are switched on in every game as every game counts.
with 5 teams, league games = 10, x2 =20 (as teams play each other twice) + 3 playoffs + Final = 24 games
with 6 teams, league games = 15, x2 =30 (as teams play each other twice) + 3 playoffs + Final = 34 games
Too many teams would spoil the fun, would make the league boringly long like the IPL which goes on and on. I believe teams playing each other twice is a better way to assess each team’s respective strengths and weaknesses. Hence a maximum of 6 teams.
It is about quality not quantity of games
And I believe that 3 playoffs (idea first devised by IPL) is a much better format than a simple 1 vs 4 and 2 vs 3 SFs adopted for most sports. If 1 or 2 or both have one bad game, both are out!! But 3 playoffs ensure that at least one of the top two teams reach the final. The loser gets a second chance as well. So makes it more likely that the top two teams during the league stages would again contest the Final which is how it should be.
I think there should be atleast two more teams. One from Punjab that can be either Sialkot orsomeone else and one Hyderabad. Hopefully more international players will be ready to join so contests can improve
Seeing the resurgence of interest in cricket in Balochistan and KPK due to Quetta and Peshawar teams' success (despite lack of local players' in the team), for strategic reasons I would include the following teams:
Multan
FATA
Gilgit
Then you will have a roughly all round representation from whole of Pakistan.
In terms of format, I'll just simple have two knock out rounds. The last match between Peshawar and Quetta seemed like a waste of time for both teams who had done enough to be straight semi finalists. They should've played the weaker runner up side for a spot in the final as opposed to playing each other.
7 teams would mean a total number of 46 games which is just too many imo
((unless you play each other only once which would = 25 games (21 league games + 3 playoffs + Final))
6 is perhaps about right
So let me suggest this, and I think its very reasonable considering the success of this PSL and improved law n order situation.
The first round which consists of round-robin should be played in Pakistan.
The second round , also round-robin, should be played in UAE plus the finals.
Now about international players, its their choice if they dont want to come Pakistan, join the 2nd round in UAE.
That will provide the base step of pushing full-exposure entertained cricket in Pakistan and also will give a chance to more local players who may later be replaced by international ones in 2nd round.
I agree with the 3 playoffs format, it was a great move. Now with more teams it can be 4 playoffs easily.