The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is preparing for its most ambitious expansion yet, with plans to introduce two new franchises ahead of its 11th edition, expected to take place in April or May next year.
According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in the final stages of designing the inclusion framework, including details related to ownership rights and franchise allocation.
The PCB’s intent to expand the league has been long-standing, but efforts have intensified following the conclusion of the 10th season.
The board has initiated the evaluation of potential franchise market values, a crucial step toward determining the financial worth of new teams. With the valuation process nearing completion, the PCB is now close to finalizing the sale mechanism that will determine new ownership.
Insiders have revealed that the board is considering an open auction model for franchise allocation, allowing the highest bidders to secure rights. Successful bidders will have the privilege of selecting team names and home cities from a pre-approved list curated by the PCB.
Launched in 2016, the PSL began with five founding teams — Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators — before Multan Sultans joined in 2018 to form the current six-team lineup. The league has since become a key feature of Pakistan’s cricket calendar and a major contributor to the country’s sports economy.
The expansion plan also reflects the PCB’s ambition to spread the PSL’s reach beyond traditional cricketing hubs like Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. With new franchises expected, cities such as Faisalabad, Hyderabad, and Sialkot are leading contenders for inclusion.
The addition of two new teams is set to not only diversify the competition but also ignite fresh rivalries, uncover new talent, and give underrepresented regions of Pakistan their long-awaited moment in the PSL spotlight.
