The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has taken a giant leap forward in its journey to become a top-tier global T20 league. In a powerful endorsement of its commercial appeal, a remarkable 12 investor groups from five different continents have officially placed bids to own one of two new PSL franchises.
Unprecedented Global Interest for PSL Franchises
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the overwhelming response, which included serious interest from investment parties based in the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan. Officials labeled the diverse and widespread interest as exceptional and a strong sign of the league's rising international credibility. This global bidding war clearly reflects the PSL's transformation into a marketable and powerful sporting brand on the world stage.
Key Dates and Transparent Process
The PCB has outlined a clear and transparent roadmap for this major expansion. The board will first conduct a technical evaluation of all submitted bids. The results of this crucial initial screening are scheduled to be announced on December 27, 2025.
Only the parties that pass this technical evaluation will move forward to the decisive final stage. The ownership of the two new teams will be determined through an open and competitive auction, which is set to take place on January 8, 2026, at the Islamabad Convention Centre. The PCB has reiterated its commitment to conducting this entire process with full transparency, adhering to international best practices to ensure the league's long-term growth and sustainability.
A Major Structural Leap for the League
Launched in 2016 with five teams and expanded to six in 2018, the PSL is now preparing for its most significant structural change in seven years. The addition of these two new franchises will bring the total number of teams in the competition to eight, starting from the league's 11th edition. This expansion is a decisive step towards the PSL's goal of enhancing its competitive depth and expanding its global footprint.
The league's growing international allure was recently highlighted by a high-profile trophy roadshow at two of the world's most iconic locations: The Oval in London and Times Square in New York. This global showcase attracted significant attention from fans, media, and potential partners, symbolizing the PSL's ambitious drive to break beyond traditional cricketing boundaries. By presenting its most prized symbol in global hubs, the PCB is actively working to position the PSL as a truly international brand, ready to attract worldwide investment, viewership, and long-term partnerships.
