KEY POINTS
- DSM becomes the fifth pre-qualified bidder for two new PSL franchises.
- The league will expand from six to eight teams for its upcoming 11th season.
- Former Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen is eligible to bid again.
LAHORE, Pakistan: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday confirmed the fifth qualified bidder for the upcoming auction of two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, continuing the build-up to an expansion of the T20 league ahead of its 11th edition.
In an official social media announcement, the board stated: “DSM confirmed as Bidder No. 5 out of 10 for the HBL PSL Teams Auction.”
The auction is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.
The PCB has already conducted technical evaluations of proposals from interested parties, with a total of 10 entities expected to be cleared for the bidding process.
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League expands to eight teams
This auction marks a pivotal moment for the HBL PSL, which will expand from six to eight teams starting from its landmark 11th season, scheduled to be held from March 26 to May 3.
The expansion aims to broaden the league’s geographical and commercial footprint within the country.
Tareen group returns amid past dispute
Among the four previously confirmed bidders is the Tareen Group, led by businessman Ali Khan Tareen.
Tareen previously owned the Multan Sultans franchise from 2018, guiding them to a PSL title in 2021 and establishing them as a consistent force.
His relationship with the PCB soured over franchise renewal terms and governance issues, culminating in a legal dispute and his exit from the league in late 2025.
His departure now makes him eligible to bid for one of the new teams, marking a potential high-profile return.
Karachi-based consortium in the race
Another confirmed bidder is VGO TEL, the OZ group of companies, Inverex Solar Energy and Jazz, which have formally entered the competitive process.
The entry of both established and new investment groups underscores the significant commercial interest in the league’s growth.
New cities to join PSL map
Successful bidders will later select a home city from a PCB-approved list, which includes Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit.
This expansion is set to bring top-tier T20 cricket to new regions, engaging broader fan bases and stimulating local economies.
