The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has successfully completed the technical evaluation for the sale of two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, approving 10 out of 12 global bidders for the upcoming auction. The auction is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.
The PCB Bid Committee meticulously reviewed all proposals submitted by interested parties over three days. Following a thorough and transparent assessment, 10 bidders met the technical requirements and now advance to the next stage of the selection process. This step reflects the PCB’s commitment to fairness and international investment standards.
During the auction, successful bidders will gain the right to choose franchise locations from a shortlist of cities, including Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, and Sialkot. These cities have been strategically shortlisted to expand the league’s footprint across Pakistan and enhance local engagement with cricket fans.
PSL CEO Salman Naseer congratulated the qualified bidders, highlighting the growing interest from both domestic and international investors. He stated, “We extend our congratulations to all successful bidders and thank everyone who submitted proposals. For those who could not participate this time, we hope to explore opportunities in the future.”
He also emphasized that the league views this auction as a significant milestone in the expansion and evolution of the HBL PSL. Preparations continue to ensure the auction process is smooth, transparent, and aligned with international franchise standards.
Further details regarding bidding procedures and auction protocols will be shared by the PCB in due course. The organization is committed to providing clear guidelines to all participants to ensure an organized and competitive bidding process.
The inclusion of two new franchises represents a major step in PSL’s growth strategy. It not only increases competition within the league but also creates opportunities for investors and cities to participate in Pakistan’s premier T20 cricket competition. As interest from global bidders rises, the PSL continues to reinforce its position as a world-class league.
With the auction date approaching, cricket fans and investors are closely watching developments. The expansion reflects both the commercial success of PSL and the league’s aim to bring cricket closer to underserved regions. The addition of new franchises will likely introduce fresh talent, innovative team strategies, and enhanced fan engagement across Pakistan.
