PSL reveals names of qualified bidders for new teams

The most significant alteration ever to the Pakistan Super League is planned as a result of the tournament's gradual progression from six teams to eight. The Pakistan Cricket Board has taken a huge step in that direction by making it public that 10 groups are going to compete in the PSL franchise auction for the 2 new franchises.

This announcement not only signifies the league's growth but also the Pakistan Super League's enormous impact and engagement with the corporate world that attracts major companies, both local and international, to be involved with the league.

PSL Expansion Auction Details

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made it known that the franchise auction will take place on January 8, 2026, at the Jinnah Convention Centre. Additionally, the two winning bidders will have the chance to form new teams for the PSL 11 which ins set to take place between March 26 and May 3, 2026.

In order to provide the new owners with more options, the PCB has proposed several potential cities for the teams' home games, such as Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit. However, the final selection of the home grounds will occur after the auction.

List of Qualified Bidders for New PSL Teams

The 10 bidders that were shortlisted are from different industries and show the strong attraction of PSL not only to cricket but also to other areas of business.

Inverex – A renewable energy company that has previously sponsored PSL

OZ Group / OZI Developers – A company that specializes in the real estate and property development sector

VGO Tel – A company that provides mobile and technology services and is based in Karachi

Jazz – The largest telecom operator in Pakistan that has been a partner of PSL for a long time

DSM Tareen Group – The group is headed by Ali Khan Tareen, who was once a PSL franchise owner

ALSO SEE: Harbhajan Singh reveals why CSK never felt pressure under MS Dhoni's leadership

i2c – A global fintech company that was established by a Pakistani-American entrepreneur Aamir Waien

Walee Tech – A firm that operates in the field of media and fintech and is interested in digital engagement 

Prism Developers + Exchange ON – A partnership between property development and technology companies

Kingsmen Group – An investment company that is focusing on the acquisition of sports assets for the long term

Aim Next Inc – An enterprise that prioritizes technology and innovation in its operations

PSL expansion promises growth opportunities as January 8 auction nears

The addition of two new teams is anticipated to bring multiple advantages to the cricket scene in Pakistan. The number of matches will increase, new regional fan bases will be created, and each of the three main areas in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad will receive more revenue through broadcasting and sponsorships. However, the main impact will be on opening up more spots for young and upcoming local players to present their skill on a large stage.

The professionals guess this development could be a very big factor in lifting up Pakistan's sports economy and then the PSL would be even more nicely ranked among the world's top T20 leagues.

The day of the auction, the qualified groups will be fighting under PCB-approved financial and operational rules. The successful bidders will then proceed to the final stage of the ownership process where they will choose their home cities, and set up management and marketing structures.

The PCB has been very open regarding how the selection process will be handled; it will mainly rely on factors such as openness, financial soundness, and long-term dedication.

There has been a strong corporate interest, a clear roadmap and 10 serious bidders in the contest, so the expansion of PSL to an eight-team tournament is now very likely to happen. The auction on January 8 is expected to be a historic moment - one that could influence the future of Pakistan’s domestic cricket for many years.