Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Friday announced a new incentive package for franchises participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, introducing additional financial rewards aimed at recognising team performance and long-term cricket development.
In a post on X, Naqvi stated that the PSL 2026 champion franchise will receive a special reward of $500,000, while the runner-up will be awarded $300,000. Another $200,000 has been allocated for the franchise that demonstrates outstanding contribution toward cricket development. These amounts are in addition to the regular yearly prize money.
Naqvi said the new structure is designed to encourage excellence both on and off the field, adding: “Let’s take Pakistan cricket to new heights.”
Earlier in the day, the PCB also announced that the auction for two new PSL franchises will take place on January 6, 2026. The addition of two new teams marks a significant step in the league’s long-planned expansion.
The board dismissed media reports claiming that the names of the two new teams had already been finalised, clarifying that no franchise name will be confirmed before the auction. The selection of names will be strictly based on bidding procedures as outlined in the official Bid Documents.
While reports had suggested Faisalabad and Gilgit as top contenders, PCB officials confirmed that these are merely two of six shortlisted cities. The complete list of potential franchise locations includes Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit.
Only technically qualified bidders will be allowed to participate in the auction. Successful bidders will earn the right to select their preferred city and team identity from the shortlisted pool.
The move is expected to attract significant interest from investors as PSL continues to grow in popularity and commercial value, with expectations of a larger league footprint beginning in 2026.
