The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has extended the deadline for bids on PSL new franchises to December 22, 2025, from the original December 15. This move responds to surging international interest from investors in Europe, the US and the Middle East. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the change on Saturday, highlighting the league’s appeal. The expansion targets two additional teams for the PSL‘s 11th edition next year, boosting Pakistan’s T20 cricket footprint.
This development underscores the PSL’s rising stature in South Asia’s cricket landscape. As the region’s premier T20 competition, the league draws millions of viewers across Pakistan, India and beyond. The influx of global capital could elevate broadcasting deals and sponsorships, injecting vital funds into grassroots cricket amid economic pressures. For fans, it promises fiercer rivalries and fresh talent pipelines, solidifying the PSL’s role in nurturing stars who shine on the world stage.
PCB PSL Bid Deadline Shift Sparks Investor Rush
The PCB PSL bid deadline extension comes at a pivotal moment for the league’s commercial evolution. Naqvi, in an official statement, noted the “growing interest from Europe, USA, the Middle East and beyond in acquiring new HBL PSL teams”. He extended best wishes to prospective owners, signalling confidence in the process’s transparency.
Bidders must now submit proposals by the new cutoff, covering technical and financial aspects. The base price for each PSL new franchise stands at PKR 1.3 billion annually, as outlined in earlier valuation reports. This figure reflects the league’s enhanced market value, up from previous expansions. The PCB has emphasised a fair auction to ensure competitive bids.
Roadshows played a key role in drumming up enthusiasm. On December 7, events at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London featured Pakistan players like T20 captain Salman Ali Agha and legends such as Wasim Akram. A New York gathering followed, with appearances by Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf and singer Ali Zafar. These sessions showcased the PSL’s global ambitions, drawing queries from diverse investor groups.
PSL Expansion 2026: A Leap to Eight Teams
The PSL expansion 2026 will mark the league’s biggest structural change since 2018, when Multan Sultans joined as the sixth team. Officials aim for eight franchises to heighten competition and viewer engagement. A shortlist of six cities awaits selection, though the PCB has refuted premature reports on finalists.
Valuation experts EY MENA conducted assessments earlier this year, submitting reports in November. These documents underpin the tender process, ensuring bids align with the league’s financial health. The growth aligns with T20 cricket’s global surge, where franchises like India’s IPL command billions. For Pakistan, it offers a counterbalance, fostering homegrown talent amid regional tensions.
Data from past seasons highlights the stakes. The 2024 PSL drew over 200 million TV viewers, per PCB figures. Expanding to eight teams could push that beyond 250 million, with digital streams gaining traction in South Asia. Sponsors, including HBL, stand to benefit from broader exposure, potentially unlocking PKR 2-3 billion in new revenue streams.
New PSL Teams Auction Set for January Kickoff
The new PSL teams auction is slated for January 6, 2026, following bid evaluations. This timeline allows the PCB to finalise ownership before the season’s draft. Successful bidders will gain rights to operate teams in the expanded format, including player acquisitions and branding.
Naqvi has pledged oversight to maintain integrity. “We are committed to a transparent process that benefits the entire PSL ecosystem,” he stated. Early indications suggest bids could exceed base prices, given the international spotlight. Gulf-based consortia and US firms have voiced intent, per PCB sources.
In parallel, the PCB continues NOC approvals for overseas players, ensuring a robust January draft pool. This auction represents not just financial transactions but a strategic pivot for Pakistan cricket. It positions the PSL as a bridge between South Asian markets and global investors, potentially easing cross-border collaborations.
Background: PSL’s Journey from Six to Eight Franchises
The PSL launched in 2016 with five teams, rapidly becoming Pakistan’s cricket jewel. Quetta Gladiators, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars formed the core. Multan Sultans’ 2018 entry brought the count to six, coinciding with the league’s first title win for Islamabad.
Challenges followed, including security concerns that shifted matches abroad. Yet, the PSL rebounded, hosting full seasons domestically since 2020. Revenue climbed from PKR 1.5 billion in early years to over PKR 4 billion by 2024, driven by Star Sports and local telecasts. The push for PSL new franchises builds on this momentum, addressing calls for wider representation.
South Asia’s cricket economy, valued at USD 5 billion annually, thrives on such leagues. India’s IPL dominates, but the PSL carves a niche with affordable tickets and passionate crowds. Expansion could amplify bilateral ties, though India-Pakistan matches remain IPL-PSL highlights via neutral venues.
Historians note the PSL’s role in post-2009 revival, after terror attacks sidelined international tours. With 34 matches per season now, scaling to eight teams means 68 games, a 100% increase. This demands upgraded infrastructure, with stadia in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi set for enhancements.
What’s Next for PSL New Franchises
As the PCB PSL bid deadline closes on December 22, anticipation builds around shortlisted proposals. Post-auction, new owners will integrate into pre-season planning, targeting a March 2026 launch. The PCB eyes hybrid models for security, blending home and UAE venues.
Analysts predict the expansion will unearth new rivalries, much like Multan-Lahore clashes. For investors, returns hinge on media rights renewals, due mid-2026. Naqvi’s vision includes youth academies tied to franchises, investing PKR 500 million collectively.
Ultimately, these PSL new franchises could redefine T20 boundaries in South Asia, blending tradition with innovation to captivate a billion fans.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 14th, 2025
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