The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will be taking over the Pakistan Super League team Multan Sultans for an interim period after the current owner agreement will be finished by the end of 2025. The PCB will run the team for one season in 2026 and then sell it to the new owner via an auction in 2027, as per the official information provided.

The current agreement with the group owning the Multan Sultans ends on December 31, 2025, and a final policy decision from PCB is expected within a week. Reports suggest that the board has already laid out a transition plan to keep the franchise running smoothly with no interruption to the league.

If the suggested plan goes ahead, the PCB-operated model may provide financial relief to the board in the short term. The PCB would save about $3 million from the central revenue pool and another $1 million in sponsorship allocations by being in charge of the franchise directly. On the other hand, there is a downside as well. According to an audit report, the PCB would have to give up the annual franchise fee of $8.5 million for the year of takeover, which means the overall financial impact will need to be carefully weighed.

Ownership exit marks the end of a chapter as PCB introduces temporary management before the 2027 auction

This event took place after Ali Tareen, Multan Sultans owner, made a public announcement in November that he was leaving the franchise. Reports say that over the past year, the relations between the PCB and the ownership group had deteriorated continuously until it reached a stage where it was not possible to continue.

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Multan Sultans have experienced a complex ownership saga. The franchise was first given to the Schon Group as the sixth PSL team for $5.2 million, making it the most expensive franchise then. However, after the first season, financial problems resulted in missed payments, which led the PCB to cancel the agreement.

In the month of December 2018, Alamgir Tareen together with his nephew Ali Tareen bought the franchise for the amount of $6.3 million. Thereafter, Multan Sultans have turned up to be the most reliable and strong contenders for the PSL titles by consistently challenging the other teams and acquiring a good number of fans.

The situation of the PCB getting involved is a step towards having stability in the franchise while the long-term ownership of the franchise will be determined at the 2027 auction.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 has suffered a major setback with several top England players set to miss the tournament. With the IPL and PSL clashing in the 2026 season, the dominance of the IPL has once again impacted player availability, and the England Cricket Board’s (ECB) strict workload policy has added further trouble for the PSL.

According to recent reports, England’s centrally contracted red-ball players will not receive No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to play in PSL 11. The ECB has prioritised the County Championship and England’s home Test summer, which includes a three-match Test series against New Zealand in June 2026. While the IPL continues to remain an exception, players who skip or go unsold in the IPL are expected to rest rather than join other overseas leagues.

England players unavailable for PSL 2026

As per current ECB guidelines and contract structures, the following England players are unlikely to feature in PSL 11:

• Ben Stokes
• Harry Brook
• Mark Wood
• Jamie Smith
• Gus Atkinson
• Rehan Ahmed
• Saqib Mahmood
• Ollie Robinson
• Matthew Potts
• Brydon Carse
• Zak Crawley
• Joe Root (unlikely due to workload management)

Most of these players hold red-ball or multi-format central contracts, making them unavailable during the PSL window, which runs from March 26 to May 3, 2026.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Alex Carey dedicates maiden Ashes 2025/26 century to his late father in Adelaide

Why ECB has blocked PSL participation

The ECB has tightened its NOC policy to protect player fitness ahead of a busy international calendar. With the County Championship starting in April and international commitments immediately after, the board is unwilling to risk injuries or burnout. The IPL remains the only overseas league given special clearance due to its commercial agreements and fixed calendar slot.

Impact on PSL franchises

The absence of marquee England names significantly affects PSL franchises, especially with the league expanding to eight teams in 2026. Teams are now expected to shift focus towards:

• Unsold IPL players
• Australian and West Indies cricketers
• Emerging overseas talent

With growing competition from the IPL and limited access to England’s elite players, PSL 2026 faces a challenging road ahead as it works to retain global relevance and star appeal.

Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that Pakistani players taking part in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) will complete the full season, easing concerns over their availability amid Pakistan’s scheduled T20I tour of Sri Lanka in January.

Speaking in Adelaide ahead of the third Ashes Test, CA chief executive Todd Greenberg said the board has received clear assurances regarding the availability of Pakistan’s leading stars. Players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali were at the centre of speculation after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a short T20I series in Sri Lanka that overlaps with the BBL window.

Pakistani stars assured full BBL stay as CA prepares Pakistan tour

However, Greenberg made it clear that the matter has been settled. “We’ve been told that if they’ve been signed by the BBL, they’ll play the whole BBL,” he said, adding that Cricket Australia remains confident none of the contracted players will be withdrawn midway through the tournament.

Alongside the BBL clarity, Greenberg also provided an update on Australia’s upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup. While dates for the T20I series are yet to be finalised, he confirmed that preparations are already underway. Cricket Australia, along with the Australian Cricketers’ Association, has sent officials to Pakistan to conduct a pre-tour security assessment.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Video of cricket match amid dense fog in Delhi goes viral

“We’ve just sent a couple of people to Pakistan to do a pre-tour for the T20I games,” Greenberg said. “We’ll speak to the players after the Ashes series and explain how the tour will work from a security point of view. I toured Pakistan with the team in 2022 and it was an amazing experience.”

CA confirms FTP changes, Bangladesh Tests in Mackay and Darwin

Greenberg also revealed scheduling adjustments to Australia’s Future Tours Programme. The ODI leg of the Pakistan tour will be shifted to June, after the completion of the PSL and IPL, aligning with Australia’s limited-overs tour of Bangladesh in the same period.

In addition, CA confirmed that Bangladesh will tour Australia later in the year, with Test matches set to be played in Mackay and Darwin. Mackay will host its first-ever Test, marking the return of international red-ball cricket to Australia’s Top End for the first time since 2004.

Overall, Greenberg’s comments underline CA’s focus on schedule stability, player clarity and expanding the game’s footprint, while ensuring marquee tournaments like the BBL retain their star power.

The IPL 2026 mini-auction, held on December 16, 2025, saw several prominent overseas players go unsold due to limited slots and franchise strategies. With the Pakistan Super League expanding to eight teams in 2026, these players now form a strong overseas pool for the PSL 11 draft, scheduled for January 13, 2026.

Apart from unsold IPL players, PSL franchises also have the option to retain foreign players from previous seasons, making squad planning even more crucial ahead of the new expanded format.

Players available for retention in PSL 2026

Below is the list of overseas players who are eligible for retention by their respective PSL franchises.

Players unsold in IPL 2026 and available for PSL 11

These players went unsold in the IPL 2026 auction and are expected to be available for the PSL draft.

Other overseas stars available for PSL 2026

These players either opted out of the IPL auction or were not registered, making them available for PSL 11.

Why these players matter for PSL 2026

For PSL franchises, unsold IPL players often provide excellent value. Many of them bring vast international experience, adaptability to subcontinental conditions, and a strong desire for consistent game time. Players like Devon Conway, Bairstow, Coetzee and Fraser-McGurk could easily become marquee picks in the PSL draft. The expansion to eight teams further increases demand for quality overseas talent, making this group particularly important for squad-building.

Franchises will confirm their retained players before the draft, after which the final overseas pool will be released by the PCB. The PSL 2026 draft, scheduled for January 13, is expected to attract significant attention given the number of high-profile names available. With many international stars free from IPL commitments, PSL 11 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in the league’s history.

Zimbabwe’s preparations for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 will intensify over the festive period as they host Afghanistan and Pakistan in a Youth One-Day International tri-series in Harare.

The triangular tournament forms a crucial part of Zimbabwe’s build-up to the global event, which the country will co-host alongside Namibia from 15 January to 6 February 2026. With the World Cup being staged on home soil, the series offers valuable match exposure for Zimbabwe’s young cricketers against strong opposition.

U19 tri-series to begin on Christmas Day as Zimbabwe fine-tune World Cup preparations

Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni confirmed the series, describing it as a vital step in the team’s final preparations. “This tri-series is a key part of our final preparations for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup,” Makoni said. “Playing against strong Under-19 teams like Afghanistan and Pakistan will give our players the quality match experience they need ahead of a major global event on home soil.”

The action begins on Christmas Day (25 December), with hosts Zimbabwe taking on Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club. Afghanistan will then face Pakistan on 27 December at the same venue.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Abhigyan Kundu completes double century with 6 in Asia Cup U-19 match

The tournament will move across multiple venues in Harare, allowing Zimbabwe Cricket to also test its operational readiness ahead of the World Cup. Zimbabwe will play Pakistan at Prince Edward School on 29 December before meeting Afghanistan again on 31 December at Sunrise Sports Club. Afghanistan and Pakistan will clash for the second time on 2 January, while the final league match will see Zimbabwe face Pakistan at Old Hararians Sports Club on 4 January.

The top two teams on the points table will qualify for the final, scheduled for 6 January at Old Hararians Sports Club.

Under-19 Tri-Series Schedule

While Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will be chasing their first-ever U19 World Cup title, Pakistan enter the build-up as two-time champions, having lifted the trophy in 2004 and 2006.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to enter a new era in 2026, with the tournament expanding to eight teams and adopting a revised competition format for its 11th edition. Despite the expansion, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has ensured the league remains compact, competitive and fan-friendly within a 39-day window.

PSL 2026 will be played from March 26 to May 3, with matches scheduled across five cities: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan and, for the first time, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

How the new PSL 2026 format works

The tournament will be played in two phases.

Phase 1: Single-League Stage
All eight teams will face each other once. This means every side plays seven matches, ensuring a balanced and fair contest where teams compete against all opponents.

Phase 2: Super Four Stage
After the league phase, the eight teams will be split into two groups of four. Each team will play three matches in this stage. Performances here will determine which teams advance further.

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The top two teams from each group will qualify for the playoffs.

Playoffs structure

The playoffs will consist of four matches, including the final, to crown the PSL 2026 champions. Importantly, even with two additional teams, each franchise will still play a minimum of 10 matches, maintaining consistency with previous seasons.

PSL 2026 format at a glance

A total of 44 matches are expected to be played during the season.

The PSL, which began in 2016 with five teams and expanded to six in 2018, will undergo its first major restructuring in seven years. With new teams, new venues and a streamlined format, PSL 2026 aims to preserve the league’s competitive edge while bringing top-level T20 cricket to more fans across Pakistan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approved major infrastructure upgrades across the country, including an Oval-style redevelopment of Lahore’s City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground, as part of its broader plan to expand the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and take top-level cricket to new regions.

The decisions were taken during a video-link meeting of the PCB Board of Governors (BoG), chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The board formally approved the second phase of reconstruction of Karachi’s National Stadium, the upgradation of the LCCA Ground on the model of England’s iconic Oval, and plans for a brand-new, state-of-the-art cricket stadium in Islamabad.

Speaking after the meeting, Naqvi said the PCB is also actively working to stage PSL 11 matches at Muzaffarabad Stadium, with the long-term aim of hosting international fixtures at the venue as well. “We are making every possible effort to bring PSL and international cricket to Muzaffarabad,” he said, calling it a step towards making cricket more inclusive across Pakistan.

ALSO SEE: Who is Abhigyan Kundu who scored flamboyant double century in IND vs MAS Asia Cup U-19 match ?

The BoG also reviewed the success of recent PSL promotional roadshows held in London and New York, which were organised to enhance the league’s global visibility and attract overseas audiences and investors. Board members praised Naqvi and his team for their professionalism in executing the roadshows, describing them as a key milestone in positioning the PSL as an international brand.

PCB board appreciates Naqvi as PSL eyes major expansion

During the meeting, members also paid tribute to the PCB chairman for his personal efforts in ensuring the continuation of Sri Lanka’s recent tour of Pakistan, passing a unanimous resolution of appreciation.

Naqvi, while addressing the board, credited the entire PCB team for the successful hosting of international cricket and the growing stature of the PSL. He added that investment in infrastructure, grassroots cricket and modern facilities would remain a top priority.

The PSL, which began with five teams in 2016 and expanded to six in 2018, is set for further expansion in its 11th edition next year, with two new franchises to be added, marking the league’s first major restructuring in seven years.

The 2025–26 Big Bash League began with huge expectations around Pakistan’s biggest cricketing names, but the much-hyped debuts of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi ended in disappointment, triggering mixed reactions from fans and experts alike.

Babar Azam’s BBL journey started under the spotlight on December 14, when he turned out for the Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium. Rain reduced the contest to an 11-overs-a-side affair, putting immediate pressure on batters to adapt. Opening the innings, Babar looked uncomfortable against the extra bounce and pace on offer. He managed just 2 runs from 5 balls before edging a delivery from debutant Brody Couch and being caught at mid-on. The early dismissal was a stark contrast to the excitement around his signing, with the Sixers even unveiling a special “Babaristan” fan zone to welcome their marquee recruit.

Challenging Australian conditions test Rizwan and Shaheen on debut

The following day, December 15, saw Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi make their debuts in the clash between Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat at Simonds Stadium, Geelong. Rizwan, batting at No. 3 for the Renegades, attempted to play more aggressively than usual but failed to find rhythm. He struggled for timing and scored only 4 runs off 10 deliveries before falling to spinner Paddy Dooley. Despite his lack of contribution, the Renegades piled up a massive 212/5, courtesy of a blistering century from Tim Seifert.

Shaheen Afridi’s outing with the ball was arguably the toughest. Drafted as Brisbane Heat’s No. 1 pick, the left-arm pacer began well but quickly lost control in the death overs. He bowled two dangerous waist-high beamers in the 18th over and was subsequently taken out of the attack. Shaheen ended with figures of 0/43 in just 2.4 overs, conceding runs through no-balls and wides as the batters went after him.

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These early struggles highlight how challenging Australian conditions can be, especially for players adjusting to bounce, pace and franchise pressure. While social media labelled it a “horrible start” for the Pakistan trio, many also called for patience. With the season just beginning, the spotlight now shifts to how quickly Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen can respond and turn promise into performance.

Twitter reacts as Pakistan stars endure nightmare BBL debuts

🚨INAUSPICIOUS START🚨

Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan made their BBL debuts over the last couple of days.

Babar - 2 (5)
Rizwan - 4 (10)
Shaheen - 0 (3) and 0/43 in 2.4 overs

😶😶#BBL15 pic.twitter.com/OeAwUPnXH3

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) December 15, 2025

Pakistani Premium players on BBL debut.

Ling Boobzy - 2 runs off 5 balls.
Actor Rizwan - 4 runs off 10 balls.
Polio Bowler - 43 runs in 2.4 overs.

And they want to win World Cup 2026😭🙏 pic.twitter.com/suCOprg1hh

— Haydos🛡️ (@GovindIstOdraza) December 15, 2025

The Trio of Pakistan Looks off Color in BBL15 Opening Matches

Sixers, Babar 2 (5)
Renegades, Rizwan 4 (10)
Strikers, Shaheen 0-43

All three have a potential to Comeback stronger#BBL15 #shaheenafridi #rizwan #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/mBGnOZvJ43

— Usman Khan (@usmann_khann) December 15, 2025

Pakistan’s premium pacer Shaheen Afridi on his BBL Debut 😬 pic.twitter.com/6d7aNp87Ck

— CRICKETNMORE (@cricketnmore) December 15, 2025

𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧!

After Babar Azam failed in his debut match of the BBL, Another two big stars of Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, also failed in their debut BBL game.#BBL15 | #Cricket | #GreenTeam | #OurGameOurPassion | #KhelKaJunoon pic.twitter.com/9MopwvJqsL

— Green Team (@GreenTeam1992) December 15, 2025

Pakistan superstars on BBL debut.

Babar Azam - 2 runs off 5 balls.
Muhammad Rizwan - 4 runs off 10 balls.
Shaheen Afridi - 43 runs in 2.4 overs.

Yrrr plzzz ab aglay matches main apni aur pakistan ki ezat bacha lena...#BabarAzam𓃵 #mrizwan #shaheenafridi pic.twitter.com/FlBRt4orrx

— Saadi (@Saadi_910) December 15, 2025

Three Pakistan stars struggle to shine on their BBL debut #BBL2025 pic.twitter.com/wnDWcGG9kb

— 𝑨𝙗𝒅𝙪𝒍𝙡𝒂𝙝 𝙎𝒖𝙡𝒕𝙖𝒏⁵⁶ (@Abdullahs_56) December 15, 2025

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has officially confirmed the dates for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), announcing that the tournament will run from March 26 to May 3, 2026. The confirmation came during a high-profile PSL roadshow held in New York, marking the league’s first promotional event in the United States.

Addressing investors and cricket stakeholders, Naqvi revealed that the dates were finalised after repeated queries about the league’s window. He emphasised that rewarding players and ensuring strong investor confidence remain central to the PCB’s vision. “Pakistan has immense cricketing talent, and investors in the PSL receive meaningful returns,” Naqvi said, highlighting the league’s commercial and sporting success.

The New York roadshow featured several prominent figures from Pakistan cricket. Current national team players Shan Masood, Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed were in attendance, alongside former captains Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja. PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer was also present at the event.

Wasim Akram praised the league’s impact, calling the PSL a collective success that continues to entertain fans while providing a strong platform for local talent. Ramiz Raja echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the PSL has played a key role in developing young Pakistani cricketers by allowing them to share dressing rooms with international stars.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Vaibhav Suryavanshi dismisses Pakistan skipper during Men's U-19 Asia Cup 2025

PSL 2026 set for expansion and direct clash with IPL

The PCB also confirmed that the PSL will expand from six to eight franchises starting with the 2026 season, marking the league’s first major restructuring in seven years. Due to growing interest from Europe, the United States and the Middle East, the PCB has extended the deadline for submission of bids for the two new teams to December 22, 2025.

Notably, the PSL will once again be held during the March–May window, meaning it will directly compete with the Indian Premier League (IPL). The PCB had shifted the league’s schedule last year due to the Champions Trophy and has now retained the same window because of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled for February–March.

With expansion, global outreach and a fixed window in place, PSL 2026 is shaping up to be one of the league’s most ambitious editions yet.

Sameer Minhas has become the latest batting sensation of Pakistan cricket. In an Under 19 Asia Cup match, Sameer registered an elusive 177-run knock off 148 balls with eleven boundaries and eight over-boundaries. With the brilliant batting performance, Pakistan U-19 claimed a win with dominance against the under-19 team of Malaysia. 

Pakistan U-19 went to bat first and instantly faced a tough situation as they lost two wickets early in the innings. They were down by two batters for only 30 on the scoreboard. But the Malaysian bowlers were not able to continue the momentum as two Pakistani batters, Sameer and Ahmed Hussain, were in full flow. Both of the batters scored a century each. Ahmed departed for 132 off 114, while Sameer remained for 177 not out. 

Sameer started to create the innings with patience as Pakistan lost two wickets early in the match. The right-handed batter was watchful against the pacer in the early hours of the game. He gradually switched gears when Spinner came into attack. Sameer's most of the big shots came against the spinner. All over the park, the Under-19 Pakistan batter guided the ball to go over the boundary rope. 

Also Read: Watch: 6, 4, 6, 4 uncapped Indian batter's amazing hitting ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Under-19 Pakistan batter scored an unbeaten 177 off 148:

 

 

 

 

 

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Pakistan Under-19 delivered an outstanding performance, posting a formidable 345 for 3 in their full 50 overs. Malaysia Under-19, in contrast, struggled significantly and were bundled out for just 48 runs, unable to cope with Pakistan’s strong bowling attack. This led to an extraordinary victory margin of 297 runs, underscoring Pakistan’s dominant display in every department. The match highlighted the vast difference in experience and skill between the two sides, with Pakistan showcasing depth in their batting lineup and disciplined execution in the field.

Sameer Minhas has drawn attention partly because he comes from a family deeply engaged with cricket. He is widely recognized as the younger brother of Arafat Minhas, who represented Pakistan Under-19 in the 2024 World Cup and has built a growing reputation in youth cricket. This connection suggests that Sameer has been exposed to a strong cricketing environment from an early age, likely benefiting from both guidance and inspiration within his household. His background reflects the influence of a family passionate about nurturing talent and encouraging involvement in the sport.