KEY POINTS
- Existing franchise owners will have the right to match new valuations.
- PSL CEO says issues with Multan Sultans will be resolved internally.
KARACHI: Pakistan Super League (PSL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer announced on Wednesday that two new franchises will be introduced in the upcoming 11th edition of the tournament.
The expansion comes as part of the league’s efforts to grow and strengthen its presence, with an auction planned for the new franchises.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Naseer confirmed that bidders interested in owning the new teams will be given a selection of city names from a “pool of cities” curated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to ensure balanced geographical representation across the country.
The auction for these two new franchises is expected to attract significant interest, with Naseer mentioning that the base prices would be “significantly higher” than in previous years.
Current Team Owners Have the Right to Match Valuations
As the PSL prepares for its expansion, Naseer also addressed the revaluation process for the six existing PSL franchises.
Independent auditors Ernst & Young (EY) are set to deliver the final valuation report this week, which will establish a new benchmark price for a 10-year extension of the existing team rights.
Under their current agreements, the existing owners will have the first right to match the new valuation to retain their teams.
If any current owner chooses not to renew, the team rights will be offered through an open auction, allowing new investors to step in under the updated structure.
.@HBLPak 🤝 PSL
HBL and PSL renew their landmark partnership for two more seasons. HBL PSL 11 & 12!
Read more: https://t.co/JuTdC5H514#HBLPSL pic.twitter.com/7TFb6FrsPI
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) October 29, 2025
“This process will ensure that we have a fair and transparent system for franchise renewals,” Naseer explained.
He added that the existing owners will have a chance to renew their rights for the next 10 editions of the PSL based on the updated valuations.
Afterward, the rights will be offered to new investors if current owners choose not to renew.
Controversy Surrounding Multan Sultans Owner
The press conference also touched on the ongoing controversy involving Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen, who has publicly criticized the PCB, accusing them of mismanagement, opacity, and poor governance.
Tareen’s comments, including tearing up a legal notice from the PCB, have sparked significant debate on social media.
Naseer responded calmly, stating, “This is a family matter,” and emphasized that the PSL-related issues would be resolved “behind closed doors.”
He further explained that the league operates on a policy of professionalism and does not engage in public mudslinging or leaking documents.
“The PSL has survived tough times, and it will continue to thrive with or without any individual,” Naseer stated firmly.
PSL’s Structural Changes and Sponsorship Deal
Salman Naseer also confirmed that PSL is now registered as a separate entity under the PCB, allowing for “dedicated resources and undivided attention” without overlapping the PCB’s operations.
While the debate on the league’s autonomy versus its integration with the PCB continues, Naseer stressed that the goal is to scale the PSL while maintaining the synergy where necessary.
Additionally, Naseer revealed that HBL, the PSL’s title sponsor for the first decade, has extended its sponsorship agreement for two more years with an increase of 505 percent from the initial deal signed in 2016.
