The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially opened the door for expansion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by inviting bids for two new franchise teams, and prospective owners have been given the freedom to choose their base city from a shortlist of six. The cities under consideration are Hyderabad, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, and Rawalpindi.
This decision comes as part of the league’s broader growth strategy, and the PCB says the tender process to award the franchise rights will begin shortly, with the transactions expected to be completed within a month.
Franchise Valuation and Renewal Terms
In parallel with the expansion, the PCB has completed an independent valuation of its existing PSL franchises as well as the commercial assets tied to the league. Based on this valuation, renewal letters have been sent out to the current six teams (Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, and Multan) that detail updated franchise fees valid over the next ten years.
These proposed increases are substantial: according to insiders, the valuation firm has recommended a hike ranging from 75% to 150% compared to the current terms. Among the existing teams, Multan Sultans stand out as the most valuable, with an annual fee of USD 6.35 million, while the others fall in the band of USD 1.3 to 2.6 million.
Next Steps and Timing Uncertainties
While the PCB has laid out much of the framework for this expansion, not all details are nailed down. For one, there is no confirmed window yet for when the 11th edition of the PSL will be held — though it is anticipated to take place at some point between March and May next year, when it may clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The board’s intention is clear: to grow the league in size and reach, while maintaining transparency in its financial dealings and valuation process. With the tender process set to begin soon, the league could see its first new teams under this expansion plan in a matter of months.
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