Salman Naseer confirms auction for two new PSL franchises

KARACHI: Pakistan Super League (PSL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer has confirmed that an auction will be held for two new franchises ahead of the tournament’s 11th edition in 2026.

Addressing a press conference at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday, Naseer said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will soon begin the auction process, allowing bidders to choose from a list of cities for their teams.

“An auction will be held for two new PSL franchises,” he said. “Interested parties will be provided city options from which they can select one team.”

The CEO said all major sponsorship and franchise agreements from the PSL’s first cycle have concluded with the completion of the 10th season.

“HBL will continue as title sponsor for Seasons 11 and 12,” he added.

Reflecting on the PSL’s journey, Naseer said the league faced numerous challenges when it launched in 2015, during a period when international cricket had not yet returned to Pakistan.

“In the beginning, there was limited interest and few sponsors, but once the league began in the UAE, it quickly gained traction. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the PSL never stopped,” he said.

He credited the franchises for their role in strengthening the PSL brand despite political and regional challenges.

Naseer also revealed that Faisalabad and Peshawar are under consideration as future PSL venues.

“Both venues are part of our long-term plan,” he said, adding that lease matters for Peshawar Stadium are being worked out.

He said final decisions on venues and match allocations will be made once the two new teams join, in consultation with the PCB chairman.

Meanwhile, the PCB is considering major financial reforms in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), including shifting all transactions from US dollars to Pakistani rupees.