The biggest enlargement in the history of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is being prepared now as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the reaction to the overseas bids for the two new franchises for the 2026 season was globally overwhelming.

The global interest in the league skyrocketed as 12 bidders entered the competition for the two new PSL franchises

The bids submission deadline which was originally meant to be closed on December 20 was extended twice finally coming to an end on December 24. The PCB disclosed that during the time frame given, the 12 parties expressing their interest had formally submitted their bids, the board characterized the reaction as “exceptional and encouraging.”

The PCB mentioned that the bidders belonged to five different countries namely the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan, thus emphasizing the PSL’s increasing international recognition and commercial worth. The league has been growing and inspiring the cricket world since it first started in 2016.

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In a press release, the PCB revealed that the announcement of the initial bidding phase results will take place on December 27. The parties that will be able to meet the technical and financial qualifications will then go to the next phase - the open competition which is to be held on January 8 at the Islamabad Convention Centre. During this open auction, the final ownership of the two new teams will be determined.

PCB's vision of a long-term growth strategy amid IPL competition has led to major expansion of PSL

The PSL started its journey in 2016 with five teams and by adding one more, that number became six in 2018. The first month of the new year will see the removal of the franchise cap increasing the total number to eight, which has not been seen in seven years after the initial phase of the league.

The PSL 2026 season will run from March 26 to May 3 and this timing will directly coincide with IPL (Indian Premier League) dates. Although there will be an overlap, PCB is still quite sure of the league's expansion having a positive effect on its long-term growth and international presence.

The PCB has assured conducting the whole bidding process transparently, and in compliance with international standards. It reiterates its ambition to develop the PSL into a new age of large size, fierce competition, and high commercial success.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

Former England all-rounder David Willey has explained why many overseas players are now choosing the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Willey said that certainty of selection and more playing time are becoming important factors for foreign players ahead of the 2026 season.

His comments come as more high-profile players are opting out of the IPL auction. Former South African captain Faf du Plessis was the first major star to make the move, followed by Moeen Ali. Australian power-hitter Glenn Maxwell has also reportedly decided not to register for the IPL and is planning a return to the PSL.

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Willey Explains Why Overseas Players Prefer the PSL

Speaking to Hindustan Times, former England all-rounder David Willey explained why the IPL auction can be unpredictable for overseas players.

"I think it's very individual. You never quite know how the IPL auction will go. There is a little more certainty and security with the PSL for players," Willey said. He added that the fear of spending weeks on the bench is a major factor in players’ decisions.

"Depending on individual circumstances, people might feel they have more chance of playing in the PSL rather than sitting on the sidelines for 10-11 weeks, which can be a key factor," he added.

Comparing Playing Conditions Across Leagues

Willey also compared the playing conditions and challenges in the IPL, PSL, and other major T20 leagues.

"They all have different challenges. You get different pitches, and dew is a big factor here, similar to the PSL. In India, you have a wide variety of wickets. The quality and depth of players in the IPL is phenomenal," he said.

He noted that team balance and squad composition can also be very different.

"Here, you have more overseas players in each team, and you have to manage how you use your associate and local players, which is another challenge," Willey explained.

Despite highlighting the PSL’s advantages, he made it clear that the IPL remains unmatched in scale.

"All three leagues have their own details that make them interesting. But in India, the scale and size of the IPL is something you won’t see anywhere else in sport. It’s a very special league," he said.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) held a special roadshow at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on December 7. The event was led by cricket legend Wasim Akram, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, and commentator Ramiz Raja. It was considered one of the biggest promotional events in PSL history. However, a lighthearted but sharp comment from Wasim Akram became the main highlight of the evening.

While talking about T20 leagues around the world and explaining how PSL works, Akram made a joke aimed at the Indian Premier League (IPL) for being too long. The IPL usually runs for almost two months and has around 74 matches, making it the longest T20 league. In comparison, PSL is much shorter.

Akram, who has previously been part of the IPL as a commentator and mentor, praised PSL for its short and exciting schedule. His comment quickly caught everyone’s attention.

Wasim Akram Praises PSL’s Short Duration

During the event, Wasim Akram said, "The best thing about PSL is that it lasts for 34 days or a bit more next year. It’s not three months long like other league. Bachay baray ho jatay hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti (Kids grow up by the time those leagues end—they just never seem to finish).” His humorous line was seen as a clear dig at the IPL’s long schedule.

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For comparison, IPL 2025 started on March 22 and ended on June 3, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning their first title. PSL has only six teams and usually lasts about a month. Its next season is set to begin in May 2026, keeping its format short, fast, and easy to follow.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is all set for its most revolutionary season, and cricket lovers cannot wait to see what’s in store. A very important meeting set for December 10 might change the way teams create their rosters for PSL 11 in 2026. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is about to choose whether it wants to retain the traditional draft system or move to an entirely new auction model, which has already stirred up a lot of arguments among the supporters, franchises, and analysts.

Over the last ten years, the PSL has been very successful with the draft format. The franchises are allowed to choose their players in a serpentine order, thus balancing the international stars with the local talent. This approach has made the competition very equal, which is why even the less star-studded teams, such as Islamabad United, have defeated the big ones and won titles. The drafts have brought Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Saim Ayub, who is an emerging talent, and the league has become a very unpredictable and exciting place. On the other hand, the talk of change has been getting louder. An auction similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL) would involve franchises fighting it out for the players, thus potentially increasing their salaries and luring them from other leagues. The argument is that the PSL would then attract the same commercial values as the IPL, which in turn would be the creation of a billion-dollar ecosystem, witnessed through the case of stars like Mitchell Starc getting record amounts in the auctions.

A Landmark Expansion and New Financial Realities

The situation is very critical. PSL 11 will see a big change; the number of teams will increase from six to eight, and the new teams are going to be decided through auctions on January 6, 2026. The cities that are under consideration, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit, are going to be the source of not only a larger but also a more passionate fanbase. The five original franchises, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, and Quetta Gladiators, have entered into a contract with the PCB according to which they will have to pay a fixed annual fee under a new financial 

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The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has always been a supporter of progressive ideas, and he made this clear by declaring the increased prize money: $500,000 to the first place, $300,000 to the second place, and $200,000 for development contributions. Still, the controversy over draft versus auction continues to be a matter of polarization. The recent Zoom meeting held with the stakeholders on November 4 led to very different opinions about player acquisition methods, with some franchises being concerned about auctions raising costs without any assurance of returns. "Drafts are the only way to make it fair; auctions create inequality," tweeted the insider from Peshawar Zalmi. On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars' camp views auctions as a way to get star players like the unsold IPL superstars, imagine Josh Hazlewood or Jason Holder, who could then play on the grounds of Pakistan.

Social media is stormed with fan reactions that are full of enthusiasm and excitement. "Auction for star power, but don't kill the draft's magic! #PSL2026," wrote one fan, while another replied, "Time to go big like IPL. Drafts are too 2016." According to some reports, the PCB favors auctions as a method for the transition towards global T20 trends, but the franchises' discontent might maintain the current situation. The valuation of the league assets performed by Ernst & Young has empowered the negotiators with evidence, predicting that auctions would increase revenues by 30% over the next ten years (2026–2035).

The preparation for December 10 is on, and the cricket world is looking forward to it very keenly. Will the PSL be transformed into a selling bonanza, attracting the best players in the world, or will it still be a platform with fair and equal conditions? The decision will not only influence the teams but also the international visibility of cricket in Pakistan. One thing is certain: the PSL 11, with its eight-team chaos in new venues, is going to be a record breaker no matter the result of the auction.

The HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL) is going to make a global journey another milestone by organizing a remarkable Roadshow at the legendary Lord's Cricket Ground (MCC) in London – the cricket's religious home and one of the most iconic places in the world of sports. The gathering is to open up the world's investors and the commercial partners, as well as the fans of cricket, for an evening that will reveal the league's rapid rise, commercial strength, and ambitious future.

The PSL has changed dramatically over the past ten years from a Pakistani domestic league to one of the most exciting and commercially strong T20 competitions in the world. Besides, the league has already started preparing for its next expansion phase, which will be marked by the introduction of two new teams. To this end, there has already been a considerable interest from the UK potential franchise owners, which is a clear indication of the league's growing international presence and the establishment of its strong connection with UK cricket.

The London Roadshow plans to capitalize on this momentum and provide the attendees with an immersive experience into the HBL PSL's commercial ecosystem, strategic vision, and long-term growth trajectory.

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PCB Chairman Underscores League’s Global Ambitions

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the occasion was a watershed for the cricket of Pakistan. "The HBL PSL has become synonymous with quality and aspirations, and by taking this Roadshow to Lord's center of cricket history-we are actually indicating our dedication to promoting Pakistan cricket globally. The response we have received from the UK market confirms the league's worldwide attraction. This event is an important chance to engage global partnerships more deeply and to communicate our long-term plans of growth and innovation."

🚨 PSL ROADSHOW AT LORDS ON 7 DEC 🚨 pic.twitter.com/SZyygaRIAl

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) December 2, 2025

HBL PSL CEO Salman Naseer was also quite happy and said the same thing about the next chapter of the league. "HBL PSL has turned out to be a high-quality cricket league recognized worldwide, having a good commercial value and a dedicated int. audience. Holding our Roadshow at Lord's gives investors unrivaled access to the league's future plans, specifically with two new teams coming. The interest from abroad investors is very encouraging and shows the widespread acceptance of the league."

The Roadshow is likely to draw in major businessmen, potential franchise owners, and cricket fans who cannot wait to be part of the action of one of the fastest-growing leagues in the sport. As a special bonus, 30 superfans will be given the rare chance to attend, and the ticket information will be shared soon.