PCB invites bids for PSL media rights for 2026–29 cycle

WEB DESK: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to sell the media rights of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for a four-year cycle, covering the 2026 to 2029 seasons, the board announced on Thursday.

According to the PCB, applications have been invited from interested parties for the acquisition of the league’s media rights. The four-year package will include television broadcasting rights as well as live streaming rights.

The board clarified that the PSL media rights on offer will be limited to the Pakistan region only, and will not cover international broadcast territories.

The PCB said that interested bidders can submit their applications until February 4, after which the bidding process will move to the next stage.

The sale of the media rights is part of the board’s efforts to secure long-term broadcast partnerships and strengthen the commercial value of the Pakistan Super League, which has grown into one of the country’s premier sporting properties since its launch.

PSL Players’ auction

The PSL Season 11 player auction is expected to bring notable changes as franchises adjust their strategies following a major reshuffle of local players across categories. Updated lists circulating ahead of the auction show several promotions and demotions, reflecting recent performances and team requirements.

At Islamabad United, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim and Naseem Shah have retained their Platinum status, while Sahibzada Farhan has been promoted from Gold to Platinum. Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Nawaz have also moved up to Diamond, whereas Azam Khan has dropped from Diamond to Gold.

Karachi Kings have seen mixed changes, with Hassan Ali elevated to Platinum, while Abbas Afridi slips from Platinum to Diamond. Khushdil Shah and Aamir Jamal have moved down to Gold, and Irfan Munir to Silver. Shan Masood remains in the Diamond category.

Lahore Qalandars continue to back their core, with Shahid Afridi, Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf retaining Platinum status. Sultan Mirza moves up to Diamond, while Mohammad Naim advances to Silver.

At Peshawar Zalmi, Babar Azam and Saim Ayub stay in Platinum, but Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Ali drop to Gold.

Multan Sultans retain Mohammad Rizwan in Platinum, with Osama Mir and Iftikhar Ahmed promoted to Diamond, while Mohammad Hasnain falls to Gold.

Quetta Gladiators see Abrar Ahmed rise to Platinum, alongside multiple promotions, setting the stage for competitive bidding at the PSL 11 auction.