PSL Set to Expand with Two New Franchises as Base Price Revealed

The Pakistan Super League is set for a major expansion, with league officials deciding to add two new franchises from the upcoming season. According to sources familiar with the development, the initial base price for each new team has been fixed at Rs1 billion, marking a significant step in the league’s long-term growth strategy.

PSL sources indicate that the matter of introducing new teams and the bidding process has now been finalized. A total of 10 interested parties are expected to take part in the bidding, highlighting strong commercial interest in the league despite broader challenges facing global cricket markets. The addition of new franchises is being viewed as a move to further strengthen the PSL’s brand value, competitiveness, and geographic reach within Pakistan.

To make the occasion memorable, the Pakistan Cricket Board is planning a formal and high-profile bidding ceremony. Sources say the event will be held on January 8 in Islamabad, where the official announcement regarding the inclusion of the two new teams will also be made. The ceremony is expected to draw attention from stakeholders, sponsors, former players, and media representatives from across the country.

Adding to the significance of the event, renowned singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is scheduled to perform during the ceremony. His participation is intended to give the event a celebratory tone and underline the league’s position as not just a sporting competition, but a major entertainment property in Pakistan.

Sources further revealed that the Islamabad ceremony will serve as the formal platform where the league’s expansion plans are unveiled in detail. This will include information about the new franchises, the bidding process, and the broader vision for the PSL in the coming years. The announcement is expected to address questions surrounding team ownership, financial commitments, and the integration of new teams into the existing tournament structure.

The expansion of the PSL comes at a time when the league has already established itself as one of the most-watched T20 tournaments in the region. Adding two more teams is expected to increase the number of matches, create more opportunities for local players, and deepen fan engagement across additional cities and regions. It may also help the league tap into new commercial markets and sponsorship opportunities.

While details regarding the cities and branding of the new franchises have not yet been disclosed, interest around the expansion continues to build. The January 8 bidding ceremony in Islamabad is now being seen as a key milestone that could shape the future direction of the Pakistan Super League, as it enters a new phase of growth and ambition.