The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially extended the deadline for submitting bids for two new franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), a move that underscores the expanding commercial appeal of Pakistan’s flagship Twenty20 cricket tournament. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Friday that the deadline has been pushed back by one week from the original date of December 15 to December 22, 2025, citing robust interest from potential investors around the globe.
The extension comes at a pivotal moment for the PSL, which is preparing to expand from six to eight teams for its 11th edition slated for 2026. Over recent weeks, the PCB has conducted a series of international promotional roadshows aimed at generating increased visibility and investor participation for the league’s franchise sale process. Notable events took place at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London and are scheduled for New York, bringing senior PCB officials and prominent cricket figures before an international business audience.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Naqvi said the PCB had witnessed “growing interest from Europe, the USA, the Middle East and beyond” in acquiring the two new HBL PSL teams and therefore decided to extend the bid submission to December 22. He added that the board looked forward to welcoming new franchise owners into the PSL family.
The move signifies both strategic ambition and responsiveness by the PCB to broaden the league’s footprint and commercial base. The PSL, inaugurated in 2016 with five teams, expanded to six in 2018 and has since grown into one of the premier Twenty20 leagues worldwide. The decision to add two more franchises reflects sustained interest in the league’s competitive model, its growing viewership, and the global appeal of T20 cricket.
According to league planning, the auction for the two new PSL teams is set to take place on January 6, 2026. Once concluded, the league will feature eight franchises for the first time in its history. The expansion is considered a key part of the PSL’s long-term commercial strategy, designed to attract greater investment, strengthen broadcasting revenues, enhance player opportunities, and build deeper fan engagement domestically and internationally.
The list of cities from which the two new franchises may be drawn includes Hyderabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad and Sialkot — all shortlisted by the PCB as potential bases for the fresh teams. Prospective owners are expected to select team names, logos and designs as part of their bidding submissions. These new franchises will join the existing six — Multan Sultans, Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars — significantly altering the league’s competitive landscape.
The extension reflects not just logistical flexibility but also the growing significance of international investor interest in the PSL. Reports indicate that groups based in Europe, the Gulf region and North America have expressed willingness to participate in the franchise bidding process. The inclusion of high-profile roadshows and overseas engagement activities points to a deliberate effort by the PCB to position the PSL as a global cricket brand rather than a regional tournament confined to the subcontinent.
Industry observers note that the move may also influence the league’s financial potential. An increase in franchise owners from well-capitalized regions could drive up franchise valuations, boost sponsorship deals, and enhance merchandising opportunities. The addition of two new teams is expected to add value across the PSL ecosystem, creating more jobs, increasing broadcast content, and providing more competitive fixtures for fans.
For the PCB, the expansion plans come at a time when global Twenty20 leagues are increasingly vying for market space. Competitions such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia, and SA20 in South Africa have all raised the bar for franchise cricket in terms of revenue and popularity. Enhancing the PSL’s scale and international involvement may be viewed as necessary measures to ensure the league’s growth trajectory remains strong and competitive on the world stage.
At the community and domestic level, the expansion will likely benefit Pakistani cricket by widening the talent platform. More teams will mean additional roster slots for local and international players, creating further opportunities for emerging cricketers to showcase their skills on a major stage. This could have positive knock-on effects for Pakistan’s national team, as increased competition at the league level tends to sharpen player development and match readiness.
While the extension provides prospective franchise buyers with additional time to finalize their bids, it also signals the PCB’s commitment to inclusivity and broad outreach. By giving investors more time and exposure through international events, the board has fostered an environment that encourages diverse participation and investment. The upcoming January auction is expected to reveal further details, including franchise values, ownership structures, and strategic plans for the new teams.
As the PSL prepares for its next chapter, the extended deadline for franchise bids marks a significant step in the league’s evolution. For cricket followers, stakeholders and the broader sports business community, this development highlights the PSL’s growing stature in the global sports marketplace and its ambition to build a more expansive and commercially robust tournament.
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