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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirms a historic expansion to eight teams for the 2026 season, with a new window confirmed for March 26 – May 3.
December 25, 2025: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set for its most significant structural transformation in seven years. Following the December 24, 2025 deadline, the PCB announced an “exceptional” response to its tender for two new franchises, with 12 parties from across the globe formally submitting bids. This expansion will take the league from six to eight teams starting with PSL 11 in 2026.
The Road to Expansion: Key Dates
The PCB has established a transparent, two-stage process to finalize ownership for the upcoming season.
Phase 1 (Initial Evaluation): The results of the technical evaluation will be declared on December 27, 2025, determining which bidders meet the financial and legal requirements.
Phase 2 (Open Auction): Technically qualified parties will participate in a live, televised bidding process on January 8, 2026, at the Islamabad Convention Centre.
The New Teams: City Shortlist & Financial Model
Successful bidders will choose from a pre-approved pool of cities to represent as their home base.
| Shortlisted Cities | Proposed Team Identity | Financial Highlights |
| Faisalabad | Potential “Faisalabad Wolves” style branding | 95% Revenue Share from Central Pool |
| Hyderabad | Deep cultural roots in Sindh | USD 4M (approx.) rumored base price |
| Rawalpindi | High-energy fanbase in the twin cities | 10-Year Rights (2026–2035) |
| Sialkot | The sports manufacturing hub of Pakistan | Min. PKR 850M guaranteed central income |
| Muzaffarabad | Expanding the league’s reach to AJK | Guaranteed share of Media Rights & Tix |
| Gilgit | High-altitude cricket in the North | Focus on untapped local talent |
A Shift in the Global Calendar
In a strategic move to ensure the highest quality of overseas talent, the PCB has officially shifted the PSL 11 window to March 26 – May 3, 2026.
Overlapping the IPL: For the second consecutive year, the PSL will overlap with the Indian Premier League. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi clarified that this window was chosen to maximize the availability of international stars who are often free during the April-May period.
New Format: The addition of two teams will increase the total number of matches, potentially utilizing more venues like the recently renovated stadium in Faisalabad.
Confirmed Bidders & Market Sentiment
While the full list of 12 parties remains confidential until the technical announcement, certain names have surfaced:
Inverex Power Solution: The Pakistan-based solar giant and long-term PSL sponsor has confirmed its bid.
Global Consortia: Interest includes real estate moguls from the UAE, tech investors from the US, and sports management groups from Australia and Canada.
Base Price Rumors: Despite some reports of “investor skittishness” over a rumored $4 million annual base fee, the sheer volume of bids suggests that the market valuation of the PSL remains robust.