PSL 11: Registration of foreign players hits off

WEB DESK: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially launched the player registration process for the much-anticipated 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), marking the start of preparations for a significantly expanded tournament.

In a major development, the league will expand from six to eight franchises for the first time. The auction for the two new teams will be held in Islamabad on January 8, 2026, and is scheduled to be broadcast live, generating significant anticipation among fans and investors alike.

With this expansion, PSL 11 is now confirmed to be an eight-team event. The tournament window has been set for March 26 to May 3, 2026. The registration portal for foreign players is now open, with the deadline for player entries set for January 20, 2026.

This structural overhaul promises to elevate the league’s profile and create more opportunities. The inclusion of two additional franchises will naturally lead to more matches in the season, thereby providing domestic and international cricketers with a larger platform and more playing opportunities.

The PCB’s move to expand the PSL is seen as a strategic step to capitalise on the league’s growing commercial success and popularity, ensuring it remains a premier fixture in the global T20 calendar. All eyes will now be on the January auction to see which cities or entities secure the two new franchise rights.

PCB launches PSL roadshow in New York

Last week, a high-profile delegation led by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi arrived in New York to kick off an international roadshow for the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The event, starting today, aims to attract global investors for the league’s upcoming expansion.

The roadshow featured cricket legends Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja, along with current national stars including Shan Masood and Saim Ayub. Chairman Naqvi, expressing confidence, stated the PSL is now “shining on the international stage” and hopes to replicate the success of a recent London event.

This initiative was strategically timed to promote the bidding for two new PSL franchises. In response to significant international interest from regions like Europe, the USA, and the Middle East, the PCB has already extended the bid submission deadline by one week to December 22, 2025. The roadshow’s core objectives are to engage the diaspora and international investors, enhance the league’s global footprint, and secure substantial overseas investment for the expanding tournament.