KEY POINTS
- PCB has completed technical evaluations ahead of the Jan 8 franchise auction.
- Leading contenders include the Tareen Group, Inverex Group, VGO TEL, and OZ Group.
- Two new franchises will select home cities from a PCB-approved list.
- Expansion to eight teams marks league’s biggest structural change since its launch.
LAHORE, Pakistan: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is on the verge of a significant transformation, with plans to expand from six to eight teams moving into a decisive phase.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has completed technical evaluations of proposals from multiple investor groups, setting the stage for a high-stakes franchise auction scheduled for January 8 at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.
Mix of familiar and new faces
The bidding process has attracted considerable interest from prominent business entities, ensuring a competitive auction.
Tareen Group: Led by businessman Ali Khan Tareen, this bid marks a potential return to the league.
Tareen previously owned the Multan Sultans, which he transformed into a PSL powerhouse, winning the 2021 title and reaching multiple finals.
His departure from the Sultans in late 2025 followed a protracted dispute with the PCB over renewal terms.
With that chapter closed, he is now eligible and confirmed to bid for one of the new franchises.
Inverex Group: A major player in Pakistan’s renewable energy sector, Inverex’s application signals robust corporate confidence in the league’s commercial growth and stability.
VGO TEL: The Karachi-based telecommunications company, under CEO Naveed Gaba, has also thrown its hat into the ring, further diversifying the pool of potential team owners.
The OZ Group: Chaired by Hamza Majeed, who has publicly affirmed his commitment to sports investment, this group has formally entered the race, intensifying the competition for the two coveted slots.
New homes await
Once the successful bidders are confirmed, their next critical decision will be choosing a home city.
The PCB has provided an approved list of candidate cities, offering a blend of major cricketing centres and untapped markets.
The available options are: Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit.
This expansion is expected to broaden the league’s geographical footprint and fan base significantly.
New chapter for Pakistan cricket
The move to eight teams represents the most substantial structural change to the PSL since its inception.
It promises an extended season, more domestic opportunities for players, and increased engagement for fans nationwide.
The strong interest from established business groups underscores the league’s growing stature as a prime sports investment.
All eyes are now on Islamabad for the January 8 auction, which will determine the new stakeholders tasked with shaping the future of Pakistan’s premier T20 competition.
