PSL Expansion: Auction Schedule, Cities, Owners in Contention, PSL 2026 Implications - Explained

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) embarks on its biggest expansion yet, growing from six to eight teams starting with season 11 in 2026.

This pivotal shift comes as rights for existing franchises expired after the 2025 edition, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to auction two new private ownerships in a fiercely competitive process. The PSL in 2026 is supposed to start on March 26 and will wrap up on May 3, and ahead of that, the two new teams will arrive and participate in the upcoming season.

After holding steady at six teams for eight seasons, delayed by a 2021 PCB agreement to safeguard investments, the league now mirrors its 2018 addition of Multan Sultans despite initial pushback from owners. Multan Sultans itself faces uncertainty,

ownerless after Ali Tareen opted against renewal amid disputes; the PCB has installed interim management for 2026, with the franchise slated for sale afterwards.

Today's auction in Islamabad marks the climax, pitting approved bidders against each other for 10-year rights to the expansion franchises. Success demands a focus on sustainability, a lesson from past pitfalls like the Schon Group's short-lived 2018 ownership of Multan Sultans.

Why is the PSL Expanding Now?

The move to eight teams is the league's first major restructuring since adding Multan Sultans in 2018. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized growth ambitions, aiming to elevate the PSL's global stature amid rising commercial interest.

More teams mean:

Increased matches (longer season from March 23/26 to May 3, 2026).

Greater player roster spots, benefiting emerging Pakistani talent and international stars.

Overlap with the IPL for better overseas player availability in the April-May window.

Boosted sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and fan engagement.

Which are the Cities the teams can be named for?

Six potential city-based identities await in the Pakistan Super League. The two new teams will be based out of any of these six cities- Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Gilgit and Muzaffarabad.

Who are the Owner Contenders?

Among confirmed contenders are Ali Tareen, VGO telecom, OZ Group real estate, and Jazz telecom, joined likely by Inverex solar and i2c software outfits. There are a total of 10 suitors who will be vying for ownerships in the auction.

What will be the Squad for New Teams?

The other six pre-existing PSL teams have a settled squad for now. After the birth of two new teams, the PSL draft may take place to accommodate them with a fair squad. The PSL draft or the subsequent process is yet to be known for now. Given the tournament starting in two and a half months, we can expect a mega draft (mega auction-like) like event, where the pre-existing teams may have a limited retention number, with the other large player pool coming into the draft.

PSL 2026 Teams Auction Schedule

Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026

Venue: Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad