The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) schedules an auction for two PSL new teams on January 6, 2026, to expand the HBL Pakistan Super League to eight franchises. Shortlisted cities include Faisalabad and Rawalpindi, with bids open to qualified investors. This move aims to boost commercial growth amid rising global interest.
The PCB’s decision marks a key step in PSL expansion 2026, targeting broader fan engagement across Pakistan. Officials highlight the league’s stature as a top T20 competition, drawing investors from the UK and US. Existing teams face renewed fees in Pakistani rupees, reflecting economic shifts since 2016.
PCB Sets Stage for PSL New Teams with Strict Bidder Criteria
The PCB released details on the auction process last week. Only technically qualified bidders receive invitations. Successful parties select from six shortlisted cities: Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit. This selection process ensures alignment with regional cricket development.
PCB management stresses transparency in the tender. Renewal offers for current franchises already circulate, based on independent valuations by EY MENA. Three teams, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators secured 10-year extensions without dispute. Multan Sultans shifted ownership after prior issues, while Karachi Kings and Islamabad United await final terms.
Sources indicate new PSL franchises price starts at PKR 1.30 billion annually per team. Earlier reports suggested a reserve around PKR 1.25 billion, but valuations account for the league’s growth. All transactions now occur in PKR, up from USD in the inaugural 2016 auction, due to exchange rate volatility, PKR 105 per USD then versus over PKR 280 today.
The shift triples average fees for existing teams. Quetta Gladiators pays PKR 360 million yearly, up from USD 1.1 million. Peshawar Zalmi rises to PKR 480 million from USD 1.6 million. Karachi Kings hits PKR 650 million, Lahore Qalandars PKR 670 million, and Multan Sultans PKR 1.08 billion. These adjustments fund infrastructure and player development without altering the USD 1.4 million squad budget.
Roadshows Fuel Interest in PSL Expansion 2026
Global outreach accelerates preparations. A London roadshow at Lord’s Cricket Ground last week drew strong investor turnout. Attendees explored opportunities in PSL new teams and league sponsorships. PCB officials described the event as a success, with participants praising the competition’s commercial potential.
A New York roadshow follows on December 14, 2025. Six Pakistan players join: T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, and Saud Shakeel. The gathering targets US-based firms, showcasing fan metrics and broadcast deals. No domestic roadshows plan, focusing instead on international capital.
This strategy builds on PSL’s track record. The 2025 edition, won by Lahore Qalandars, featured record viewership in Pakistan and diaspora communities. Expansion promises more matches, jobs, and revenue vital for South Asia’s cricket economy, where the sport drives PKR billions annually. In Pakistan alone, PSL generates tourism and youth participation, countering regional challenges like economic pressures.
The league’s rise elevates Pakistan cricket globally. Partnerships with IPL stars and broadcasters expand reach into India and beyond. Yet, stakeholders watch fee hikes closely; some franchises sought clarifications during EY meetings. PCB assures fair methodology, with sessions held last month.
PSL Auction Date Looms as Deadline Nears
Bidders face a tight timeline. Technical proposals due by 11:00 AM PKT on December 15, 2025. The PCB refutes early claims of finalised cities, insisting winners choose names post-auction. This flexibility attracts diverse applicants, from local conglomerates to overseas funds.
Historical context underscores the stakes. The 2016 launch sold six teams for USD 93 million total, transforming Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium into a T20 hub. Now, with eight teams, PSL expansion 2026 could double that impact. Analysts project higher bids, given the league’s USD 500,000 winner’s purse and growing TV rights.
Critics note risks: overvaluation might deter buyers, echoing Multan Sultans’ 2018 woes. PCB counters with data, over 510 players from 19 nations joined the 2025 draft. Fan polls favour northern cities like Rawalpindi for balanced scheduling.
Background: From Six to Eight – PSL’s Growth Trajectory
PSL debuted in 2016 with six teams amid security concerns, yet thrived through hybrid models. Editions in UAE and Pakistan built trust. Lahore Qalandars claimed three titles since 2022, including 2025’s Rawalpindi finale. Retentions for that season included stars like Shaheen Afridi for Lahore.
Valuations evolved post-2019 audits. COVID relief in 2020-21 strained finances, but recovery followed. The 2025 draft on January 11 allocated squads without trades, emphasising stability. Now, PSL new teams inject fresh rivalry, potentially shifting power dynamics. Imagine Gilgit’s high-altitude edge or Hyderabad’s passionate crowds.
South Asia benefits broadly. India-Pakistan cricket tensions limit bilateral series, making PSL a neutral platform. Broadcasts reach 100 million viewers regionally, fostering cultural ties. Economically, franchises employ hundreds in marketing and logistics, while auctions spotlight Pakistan’s investment climate.
What’s Next: Bids, Selections, and Season Prep
Post-auction, new owners integrate squads by early 2026. PSL 11 schedules emerge soon after, likely blending traditional venues with newcomers. PCB eyes a full Pakistan-hosted tournament, barring disruptions.
Franchise integrations could spark trades, boosting depth. Watch for bidding wars; London feedback suggests competitive offers. As PSL auction date approaches, the league positions for T20 dominance.
The addition of PSL new teams promises a vibrant chapter, enhancing Pakistan’s cricketing legacy and South Asian sports vibrancy.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 11th, 2025
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