PSL 2026: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has expressed strong confidence that the domestic franchise league, Pakistan Super League, is on track to become the 'Number one' cricket league in the world post the auction ahead of the current season.
At a Board of Governors meeting in Lahore, led by Mohsin Naqvi, officials pointed to rising investor interest as a clear sign of the league's rapid expansion. Naqvi highlighted that the Pakistan Super League has become an increasingly attractive investment platform in cricket and expressed confidence that it is on course to emerge as the world's leading league.
"The PSL has now become the best market for investment," Naqvi said after a board meeting at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
"The time is not far when the PSL will become the world's number one league. "
During the meeting, the PCB also approved its audited financial statements for the 2024-25 fiscal year, underlining financial stability off the field alongside the league's continued expansion.
PSL 2026: Record-Breaking Auction
A major talking point was the record-breaking franchise auction, which saw the PSL expand from six to eight teams. New franchises representing Sialkot and Hyderabad were added to the competition.
The Sialkot franchise was purchased by OZ Developers for PKR 1.85 billion (INR 61.4 crore) and named Sialkot Stallionz. Meanwhile, the Hyderabad-based team was acquired by FKS Group for PKR 1.75 billion (INR 58.1 crore) and branded Hyderabad Kingsmen.
Further developments followed the auction. After the exit of Ali Tareen from Multan Sultans, the PCB reopened bidding for the franchise. Walee Technologies secured ownership with a winning bid of PKR 2.45 billion (INR 81.3 crore) and rebranded the side as Rawalpindiz.
Subsequently, CD Ventures acquired a majority stake in the Sialkot franchise and renamed it Multan Sultans. The team's valuation has since climbed to approximately PKR 2 billion annually (INR 66.4 crore).
Despite the league's financial growth, the PSL has faced challenges due to its scheduling clash with the Indian Premier League. The overlap has resulted in several players opting for more lucrative IPL contracts, impacting squad strength.
Additionally, the league has had to navigate internal challenges, including the effects of Pakistan's petroleum crisis and heightened tensions near the Afghanistan border, which have further complicated its operations this season.
