The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially shortlisted 10 bidders for the next stage of the auction to acquire two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, marking a major step forward in the league’s expansion plans.
According to a statement released on Saturday, the PCB confirmed that its Bid Committee completed the technical evaluation of all proposals and approved 10 parties that successfully met the required criteria. These shortlisted bidders will now move into the final auction phase, scheduled for January 8, 2026, in Islamabad.
Strong Global Interest in PSL Expansion
The PCB revealed that it received 12 bids in total, reflecting growing international confidence in the PSL brand. Interested parties came from Pakistan, the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the league’s increasing global appeal.
After a detailed three-day review process, only bidders that fulfilled the technical, financial, and compliance requirements were cleared to advance.
Auction Details and Timeline
The upcoming auction will take place at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad, where franchise ownership rights for the two new teams will be awarded.
Successful bidders will receive long-term ownership rights and will be allowed to choose team names from PCB-approved cities, including:
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Rawalpindi
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Faisalabad
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Hyderabad
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Sialkot
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Gilgit
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Muzaffarabad
This expansion will increase the total number of PSL teams from six to eight, starting from PSL 11, scheduled for next year.
PCB Confident About PSL’s Future
PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer congratulated the shortlisted bidders and praised the strong response from both local and international investors.
He said the expansion reflects the league’s growing commercial strength and its ability to attract long-term investment. According to PCB officials, the addition of two new teams is expected to boost competition, expand the fan base, and unlock new commercial opportunities.
A Major Milestone for Pakistan Cricket
Launched in 2016, the PSL began with five teams before expanding to six in 2018. The upcoming expansion represents the league’s first major structural change in seven years and is being viewed as a key milestone in Pakistan cricket’s professional growth.
With the auction date approaching, cricket fans and investors alike are closely watching what could become one of the most significant moments in PSL history.
