PSL 2026 https://www.cricketwinner.com PSL 2026 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:41:58 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html https://github.com/jpmonette/feed en Copyright © 2024 Cricket Winner. All Rights Reserved. <![CDATA[PSL 2026 set for auction system as Lahore Qalandars oppose major change]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/psl-2026-set-for-auction-system-as-lahore-qalandars-oppose-major-change/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/psl-2026-set-for-auction-system-as-lahore-qalandars-oppose-major-change/ Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:31:30 GMT

The upcoming clash between the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL) was anticipated much earlier than usual due to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup taking place in February. The PSL will increase its number of teams with the addition of two new franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot. The PCB are in the process of taking the PSL through many changes, including possible changes to the structure, with one of them being to incorporate a player auction system similar to the position currently held by the IPL. These changes mark an important transition for the PSL in order to continue to grow and develop.

Since its inception, the PSL has always selected players through a non-auction Draft-based System each season. Over the past few years, there have been numerous requests for a transition to an auction System, with many fans and supporters believing that Auctions will give franchises more options when constructing their roster. Sources indicate that franchises such as Karachi Kings, Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators have indicated they would like to see the current Draft replaced with an Auction format, as they believe an Auction format could make the league more competitive and commercially viable while at the same time bringing the PSL in line with other leading T20 leagues.

See Also: WPL 2026, Match 6: MI Women vs GG Women - Match Highlights

Conversely, with a whole other perspective on things is Lahore Qalandars, who are the only team to currently support retaining the Draft System because it promotes equity and fairness among all teams. As for Peshawar Zalmi, they have not yet expressed their opinion to the PCB, so at this time we don't know where they stand. The PCB has also not indicated whether they require all franchises to unanimously agree or if simply having a majority vote will allow for implementing the Auction. Therefore, until a clear decision is made by the PCB, the structure for signing players in the PSL remains unknown.

How the PSL Draft System Works and Why It Faces Criticism

Currently, the PSL uses a draft system for selecting players. There are six franchises in the PSL and six different categories of players: Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, Emerging, and Supplementary. Each franchise selects its players in a specific order, which is determined by the PCB and is typically based on the results of the previous season or the agreements between franchise owners. The draft starts with the Platinum category because these players receive the most money.

The PSL's draft method has been met with criticism in the past due to many reasons, but primarily lack of transparency around how the draft order is decided. This has caused speculation and dissatisfaction among franchises regarding their draft order. The draft restricts teams from being able to create strategies because franchises cannot compete aggressively for marquee players. Those who support an auction model believe that auctions would create more access to players, more Flexibility, and more excitement for building teams in accordance with their tactical strategies.

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<![CDATA[“Balance toh khatam…”- Wasim Akram makes hilarious comment on PSL franchises ahead of 2026 season]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/balance-toh-khatam-wasim-akram-makes-hilarious-comment-on-psl-franchises-ahead-of-2026-season/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/balance-toh-khatam-wasim-akram-makes-hilarious-comment-on-psl-franchises-ahead-of-2026-season/ Sat, 10 Jan 2026 10:52:43 GMT

The former left-arm pacer of the Pakistan side, Wasim Akram, has stolen the show during the franchise auction of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He turned the high-stakes bidding war into a moment of levity with his trademark wit. Akram will conduct the auction and keep the atmosphere light even as the millions were at stake.

There was a point which stopped the hesitant bidder as the former captain quipped, “Balance toh khatam nahi ho gaya?” which drew laughter from those present. Several media users and the reporters later identified the bidder as representatives of Pakistan’s leading telecom service provider, who didn’t place any bid.

See Also: Watch: “Can’t replicate…”- Jemimah Rodrigues leaks Virat Kohli’s view on his MCG knock vs Pakistan in T20 WC 2022

The auction concluded with two successful bids, which expanded the PSL to eight teams. OZ Developers, a real estate consortium, secured the Sialkot franchise for a price of INR 1.85 billion, while the US-based FKS group won the Hyderabad team for a price of INR 1.57 billion. Overall, the two franchises fetched 12.75 million dollars, which is nearly INR 11.4 crores.

Wasim Akram makes funny comment on PSL 2026 auction

Akram made a grand presence at the auction, which came amid the recent debate sparked by his comments on the league durations. He spoke at the promotional event of the PSL as the former pacer praised the league’s shorter window and took a swipe at the longer tournaments.

“The best thing about the league is that it is played for only about 34-35 days, maybe a little more next year. It's not like three months, like the other league. Bacchey bade ho jate hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti. Foreign players, when they come to Pakistan, prefer to be here for 35-40 days. More than that - two-and-a-half to three months - is a bit too long for everyone. Even I get bored.” The left-arm pacer shed light.

“Prime example is the BBL. They started with two-and-a-half months. They realised after four or five years it wasn't working. Now their duration is about 40 days. That's it. That's the beauty of the PSL. Of course, the talent. Everybody overseas, when I talk to them, they talk about bowling in the IPL and other leagues. They say the PSL, as far as talent is concerned, is definitely No. 1 because we have quality, not quantity.” Akram added.

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<![CDATA[Former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen steps away from PSL 2026, shares reason on X]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/former-multan-sultans-owner-ali-tareen-steps-away-from-psl-2026-shares-reason-on-x/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/former-multan-sultans-owner-ali-tareen-steps-away-from-psl-2026-shares-reason-on-x/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 22:42:54 GMT

Ali Tareen, the former owner of Multan Sultans, has announced that he will withdraw from the auction for one of the two new franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Tareen shared the update on X. He said that after careful thought, he and his family decided not to take part in the PSL franchise auction.

“After careful consideration, my family and I have decided not to participate in today’s PSL franchise auction,” Tareen wrote on X. “Our time with Multan Sultans was never just about owning a cricket team. It was about South Punjab.

“If I return to the PSL, it will be for the same reason. South Punjab is close to my heart. It is my home. When the Multanteam is sold again, we will be ready. I wish all the bidders the best,” he added.

Also read -Breaking News: Indian star ruled out of IND vs NZ first 3 T20Is

Tareen’s Exit Leaves Nine Bidders in PSL Auction

Ali Tareen’s decision was made public after most of the other bidders had already reached the venue and spoken to the media. His late withdrawal reduced the competition to nine bidders for the two new PSL franchises.

The successful bidders were allowed to choose their team names from Faisalabad, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Gilgit, and Muzaffarabad. They could also select a city outside these six, but that option required an extra payment of around USD 1 million.

Multan Sultans, which Tareen left at the end of last year after a dispute with PSL management, will be run by the PCB this season. The franchise will be put up for sale after the tournament ends, and Tareen has already said he wants to buy it back.

See also -10 Bangladeshi cricketers register for PSL 2026, ft. Mustafizur Rahman

Hyderabad and Sialkot Join PSL as New Teams

Hyderabad and Sialkot have been confirmed as the seventh and eighth teams in the PSL. The auction saw bids go well beyond expectations.

FKS, a US-based aviation and healthcare group that also owns the Chicago Kingsmen, secured the Hyderabad franchise for PKR 1.75 billion (USD 6.2 million). Meanwhile, OZ Developers, a real estate consortium, won the Sialkot team with a bid of PKR 1.85 billion (USD 6.55 million). Both deals are the highest franchise fees in PSL history.

The bidding for the first team started at a base price of PKR 1.1 billion, which is the annual fee paid to the PCB for a 10-year ownership term. The amount quickly increased when FKS, led by CEO Fawad Sarwar, placed a bid of PKR 1.4 billion, raising the price well above the minimum increase required.

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<![CDATA[3 Pakistan players likely to be axed from provisional T20 World Cup squad ft Babar Azam]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/3-pakistan-players-likely-to-be-axed-from-provisional-t20-world-cup-squad-ft-babar-azam/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/3-pakistan-players-likely-to-be-axed-from-provisional-t20-world-cup-squad-ft-babar-azam/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:07:29 GMT

The upcoming T20 World Cup in 2026 will commence in a month, with the tournament's squad formation having been completed for most teams already. India, Australia and England have stated their playing XI; however, Pakistan has only advised that its provisional squad consists of 16 players, with the management monitoring other players closely for performance and fitness levels. After the conclusion of Pakistan's T20I Series against Sri Lanka, a final squad will be announced and chosen based on performance, combinations tested and any changes necessary before the T20 World Cup.

Since there has been a delay in the announcement of the squad officially, there are a number of players that may not be selected for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Team; consideration will be given to inconsistent performances or balancing of the team. Players who have been performing poorly, or do not match what the team requires from a strategic standpoint, may not make the cut and will need to make an impression in the series against Sri Lanka to be selected as part of the final squad. The management is searching for a competitive side that has balanced team composition to compete with the top teams on the World Stage. Three players are;

Haris Rauf

Haris Rauf

During the Asia Cup 2025 final against India when Pakistan lost, Haris Rauf was identified as Pakistan's premier T20 pace bowler; however, Haris has been experiencing a decline in form. His inability to produce economically affordable overs resulted in his failure to deliver for the national team when it mattered. Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah and a fit Shaheen Afridi are available as dependable seam options, perhaps leaving little incentive for a fourth seamer to play at the Sri Lankan venues. Haris' T20I statistics in 2025 (23 wickets from 15 matches at an economy rate of 9.11) indicate the mounting pressure he continues to face.

Over the past three years, Haris' economy rate has increased from 7.76, in 2023, to 9.11, in 2025. The increase in his economy has impacted the results of numerous matches, with Haris unable to keep crucial runs at bay during the most critical stages of matches, which have cost the team at very important times (Asia Cup Final, Brisbane Heat) and has led to some losses. With the national selectors now having three confirmed pacers available along with the ongoing recovery of Shaheen Afridi, it is likely they will omit Haris from the T20 World Cup Squad and utilise their resources for more reliable and consistent bowlers for the marquee tournament.

See Also: PSL New Teams Auction 2026: Live Streaming, Telecast & Where to Watch Worldwide

Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman has had a terrible year in 2025; his T20 International performances have not been at the level expected of him, and as such, he has been moved down the order to make way for other star players who play in the top order. He has also suffered from injuries, as well as a lack of good form, which have both been major impediments to his ability to perform on a consistent basis. In fact, this year alone, he has played in 22 T20I matches and scored just 512 runs at a strike rate of 127.68, with only two fifties; thus, it is clear that the high strike rate that an opening batsman is expected to produce is no longer attainable for Fakhar.

The difficulties he has experienced with his form have also extended into the ILT20, where he scored just 260 runs in his 12 games with a strike rate of 124.40. Additionally, given that Pakistan currently has several options available to them at the top of the order in Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, and Babar Azam, it is unlikely that Fakhar will receive an opportunity to bat in his preferred opening position. Furthermore, the Pakistan team has numerous options available in the middle order that could take his place; therefore, if he does not regain his form, he could potentially be dropped from the T20 World Cup squad by the selectors.

Babar Azam

Babar Azam

Since being dropped from the T20I squad for the Asia Cup, Babar Azam received a message from the Head Coach of Pakistan, Mike Hesson, to improve his strike rate. However, even when Babar was returned to the T20I squad, he continued to have a lower strike-rate tempo during his innings. In the next series that followed when Pakistan faced South Africa and Babar played three matches against them, he scored 79 runs at a strike rate of 117.91 and during the Tri-nation series where he played five matches, he scored 127 runs at a strike rate of 112.39. His stats illustrate that Babar remains unable to increase his scoring rate while playing T20 cricket at present times.

Babar's struggles continued in the BBL 2025, where although he scored two 50s (fifties) in the tournament, he only had a strike rate of 111; even in a batting friendly environment, Babar struggled to dominate. Since the T20 World Cup will be played in Sri Lanka where the majority of the pitches are slower, this environment may not be suitable for Babar as he may need to play in more of an aggressive mode at the top of the order as opposed to being an anchor. Considering that he has not consistently performed at a high level while playing attacking cricket, Babar's role with the squad in a batting-friendly environment where quick runs are the goal remains questionable.

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<![CDATA[Ali Tareen pulls out of PSL 2026 Auction, deepening rift with PCB ahead of franchise bidding]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/ali-tareen-pulls-out-of-psl-2026-auction-deepening-rift-with-pcb-ahead-of-franchise-bidding/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/ali-tareen-pulls-out-of-psl-2026-auction-deepening-rift-with-pcb-ahead-of-franchise-bidding/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:43:39 GMT

Ali Tareen, the former proprietor of Multan Sultans, shocked the cricketing world in Pakistan by announcing that he was pulling out of bidding for a new team in the PSL 2026 expansion lot only hours before bidding commenced. Although his company, DSM Builders, had already been approved as a possible bidder for one of the two new teams , making this announcement even more shocking it is Tareen himself who confirmed the news; thus, ending any speculation regarding whether he would be participating in the Pakistan Super League again. The event has once again reinforced the difficult relationship between Tareen and the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board), which has only gotten worse in the past 12 months.

Tareen made this announcement after losing control over managing the Multan Sultans after the end of the 2025 season. Although, many believed that he would try to reclaim his spot in the league through the expansion auction since he was a major force behind the success of Multan, he made a decision that many did not expect. With Tareen in charge, the Sultans won their first ever PSL title in 2021, and they consistently appeared in the finals, creating a large following and branding themselves as one of the top teams.

See Also: PSL reveals names of qualified bidders for new teams

With Tareen's popularity and successful history, it was anticipated that his potential return would be a significant boon to the development of the league. With strong support from South Punjab, which is geographically earmarked for the Multan franchise, Tareen was viewed as a passionate and outspoken team owner. His imminent presence was expected to add both a commercial and emotional level of investment to the new chapter of the PSL. Tareen's late exit disrupts the anticipated dynamics of the auction and introduces new governance issues, as well as relationship issues, in the league's hierarchy.

Ali Tareen last-minute withdrawal shocks cricket world

After announcing on social media that he would not be participating in the auction due to a lack of representation for South Punjab, Tareen expressed that his connection to Multan and South Punjab has always been an important aspect of his association with the PSL. He further implied that it was unfair for the PCB and PSL organisation to push aside the most vocal and passionate supporter of a franchise. This made an already strained relationship between Tareen and the PCB worse.

Tareen's disagreements with the PCB over franchise operations, the financial status of franchises and the renewal processes for contracts have been an ongoing issue for a number of months. The situation worsened when the PCB sent Tareen a legal notice in 2025, alleging a breach of his contract and that he had made comments which were damaging to the PCB and the PSL. In response, Tareen vehemently denied the accusations against him, to the point of ripping up the legal notice on a video that rapidly gained millions of views. Even though Tareen will not be part of the PSL for a while, the process of expanding the PSL continues, as another bidder will now enter the competition for the league as it will be transformed into an eight-team competition in 2026.

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<![CDATA[PSL New Teams Auction 2026: Live Streaming, Telecast & Where to Watch Worldwide]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/psl-new-teams-auction-2026-live-streaming-telecast-where-to-watch-worldwide/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/psl-new-teams-auction-2026-live-streaming-telecast-where-to-watch-worldwide/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:27:14 GMT

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will auction off two brand-new teams as part of expanding their league to include an additional 2 teams during a historic event taking place on Thursday 8th January 2023 at Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad starting at 4:15 PM PT (4:45 PM IST). This event is especially notable because following the conclusion of bidding there will be a live musical act by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

After 2025 the PSL will have lost ownership rights for the existing franchises and therefore will need additional franchises to accommodate more franchises and provide opportunities for new investors. With the goal of attracting overseas investors, the PCB went on international roadshows in New York City and London and received tremendous interest from multiple business groups worldwide. A total of 10 bidders have now been shortlisted to compete for these two new teams. After they are awarded, there will be eight (8) teams playing in the PSL beginning in 2026.

See Also: WATCH: 'We will try to respond...' - Shaheen Afridi sparks fresh IND-PAK tensions over Asia Cup no handshake controversy ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

The upcoming auction is projected to reach a worldwide audience, as fans across the globe look forward to seeing the creation of two new PSL franchises, as well as having multiple opportunities for viewing the auction bidding process live through various digital and television media. Fans can also access the event via both mobile applications and traditional television sports channels, allowing cricket fans to experience every aspect of this historic event in Pakistan.

PSL New Teams Auction – Live Streaming & Telecast Details

CategoryDetails
EventPSL 2026 New Teams Auction
DateThursday, January 8
Time4:45 PM IST
VenueJinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad
Live Streaming (Digital)HBL PSL YouTube, PCB YouTube, Tapmad, Tamasha, Myco
UK StreamingPCB Live
TV Broadcast (Pakistan)A Sports, Geo Sports, PTV Sports, Fast Sports

The PCB has identified several potential cities that will eventually be home for new PSL teams, including Faisalabad, Gilgit, Hyderabad, Muzaffarabad, Rawalpindi and Sialkot. The PCB is looking to increase access to cricket in many new areas of Pakistan with the intention of increasing the commercial and cultural growth of the PSL. Adding two new franchises will also help bring PSL closer to matching the size and scope of other international T20 leagues.

The PSL 2026 season is set to begin on March 23, 2023. The upcoming auction will significantly impact the future of the PSL, including teams, players, and fan participation. The decisions made during this auction will ultimately shape the next stage of the PSL's development. Given that there is a strong interest from investors as well as increasing international audiences, the PSL expansion will bring the tournament to a new level.

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<![CDATA[10 Bangladeshi cricketers register for PSL 2026, ft. Mustafizur Rahman]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/10-bangladeshi-cricketers-register-for-psl-2026-ft-mustafizur-rahman/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/10-bangladeshi-cricketers-register-for-psl-2026-ft-mustafizur-rahman/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:05:00 GMT

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has officially registered for the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In total, ten Bangladeshi cricketers have submitted their names for the tournament.

Player registration for the next PSL season will remain open until January 20. Along with Mustafizur, several well-known players from Bangladesh cricket have shown interest in the league.

Mustafizur’s decision to register for the PSL comes after his sudden exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kolkata Knight Riders(KKR) had bought the left-arm pacer for ₹9.20 crore at the IPL auction after heavy bidding. However, due to pressure from extremist groups in India, the BCCI asked KKR to release the Bangladeshi fast bowler.

Also read-Top 5 list of batters with the most hundreds in the Ashes ft. Steve Smith

According to Pakistani media reports on Wednesday, the  PSL officially confirmed Mustafizur Rahman’s participation through a social media post late on January 6. This made him the first Bangladeshi player to be confirmed for the PSL 2026 season.

Reports also say that a total of 10 Bangladeshi cricketers have completed the registration process.

Here are the 10 Bangladeshi cricketers who have registered for PSL 2026:

  1. Taskin Ahmed
  2. Shakib Al Hasan
  3. Rishad Hossain
  4. Tanzid Hasan
  5. Towhid Hridoy
  6. Mahmudullah Riyad
  7. Hasan Mahmud
  8. Litton Das
  9. Nahid Rana
  10. Mustafizur Rahman

Bangladeshi Players’ Growing Presence in PSL

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has steadily become a popular platform for Bangladeshi cricketers. In the previous season, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Rishad Hossain played for Lahore Qalandars, who went on to win the title.

See also -Harry Brook faces disciplinary action over bouncer clash ahead of Ashes 2025/26

Concerns Over Player Safety and ICC Talks

Meanwhile, Litton Das was set to feature for Karachi Kings, while young fast bowler Nahid Rana travelled to join Peshawar Zalmi. However, Rana did not play a single match for Zalmi, and Litton returned home after suffering an injury. These incidents triggered widespread debate in the cricketing world, with questions raised about player safety in India ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally asked the ICC to consider shifting Bangladesh’s World Cup matches from India, citing security concerns. Discussions between the BCB and the ICC are currently ongoing.

Mustafizur Confirmed for PSL 2026

Amid these developments, PSL officials welcomed Mustafizur Rahman through a social media post on the night of January 6. Pakistani media later confirmed that Mustafizur is among the ten Bangladeshi cricketers who have completed their registration for the upcoming PSL season.

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<![CDATA[Afghanistan star cricketers won’t play PSL 2026 – Know full details]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/afghanistan-star-cricketers-won-t-play-psl-2026-know-full-details/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/afghanistan-star-cricketers-won-t-play-psl-2026-know-full-details/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:03:24 GMT

Ahead of the Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL 2026) draft, star players of Afghanistan can take a strong stance against Pakistan. In a recent report it is claimed that multiple players of the Afghanistan national team are set to stay away from the PSL 2026 players draft. 

The political relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan worsened after an airstrike that took the lives of multiple civilians, including three young Afghan cricketers. In protest, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) issued a strong statement against Pakistan. After the tragic incident, ACB decided to withdraw their team from a Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan.

"In response to this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan," the ACB stated. 

Read More: Watch: This heartwarming video proves Rohit Sharma is true leader and real hero

Afghanistan players can skip PSL 2026 edition 

Star cricketer of Afghanistan, Rashid Khan, also showed protest against Pakistan in strong words. He mentioned the airstrike as a "grave violation of human rights." Taking a step further, he removed the name of Lahore Qalandars, his Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, from his official 'X' account as well. 

According to some fresh reports, Afghanistan players will not participate in the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League. Star Afghan players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen ul Haq, and Mujeeb Zadran will not not register for the PSL 2026

draft. 

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<![CDATA[Bangladeshi pacer joins PSL 11 draft after following IPL 2026 exit]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/bangladeshi-pacer-joins-psl-11-draft-after-following-ipl-2026-exit/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/bangladeshi-pacer-joins-psl-11-draft-after-following-ipl-2026-exit/ Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:54:36 GMT

Once again, Bangladesh's left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman is in the cricket circle's discussions, this time because of his registration for the Draft of Pakistan Super League 11, which has been planned for the 2026 season. This move follows very closely after his unanticipated departure from Indian Premier League 2026, where he had been acquired in the mini-auction.

Calm amid controversy, Mustafizur lets performances do the talking

Although Kolkata Knight Riders had spent INR 9.20 crore on Mustafizur, his involvement was later denied due to the BCCI's directives. The ruling had its basis in off-the-field matters and had caused a lot of discussions among fans and experts, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board also opposing the move and voicing their objections.

Amidst all the noise and controversy around the situation, Mustafizur's close ones are saying that the pacer has been very calm and focused. The Bangladesh cricket coaching staff have said that Mustafizur has not allowed the setback to affect his mindset and continues to focus on his performances on the field. His recent appearances in domestic cricket, especially his bowling towards the end of the innings, have reiterated that he is still considered one of the best T20 bowlers in the world.

ALSO SEE: PSL reveals names of qualified bidders for new teams

The signing of Mustafizur for the PSL 11 draft after his IPL disappointment has made a lot of news. He is already being valued highly by a lot of the PSL teams because they think of his experience, skill-set and ability to deliver in difficult situations as their biggest assets. The league’s social media activity with the Bangladeshi fast bowler has also played a part in increasing the talk around a possible transfer.

Mustafizur puts cricket first as IPL controversy opens wider debate

Not only has the whole saga unravelled, it has also set off a discussion about the extent to which political issues are able to affect international cricket, or more exactly, franchise cricket. Nevertheless, Mustafizur’s rapid shift of focus does not only show the professional side of him but also his commitment to the sport. The 30-year-old, who had been a hot pick in the global T20s, has once again demonstrated that he is not a person to be forgotten, by putting cricket first and leaving his options opened.

In case of selection, Mustafizur Rahman will be one of the top international players in the contest who, besides his good reputation, will also be a valuable resource for the team he joins in terms of bowling strength.

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<![CDATA[PSL reveals names of qualified bidders for new teams]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/psl-reveals-names-of-qualified-bidders-for-new-teams/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/psl-reveals-names-of-qualified-bidders-for-new-teams/ Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:09:46 GMT

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.

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