In a major development for Pakistan’s premier T20 league, Pakistan Super League (PSL) CEO Salman Naseer has confirmed that two new franchises will be added for the upcoming PSL 2026 season. The expansion marks a strategic move by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to boost the league’s competitiveness and commercial appeal as it looks to rival the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Two new franchises to join PSL 2026
Currently, the PSL operates with six teams — Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Karachi Kings. Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United have been the most successful franchises, each clinching three PSL titles so far.
According to GeoSuper, the PSL will hold an auction in November for the two new franchises. Bidding parties will be given a pool of city names to choose from when selecting their preferred team identity.
“An auction will be held for two new PSL franchises. Bidding parties will be given a pool of city names from which they can select one team,”
– PSL CEO Salman Naseer
Aiming to elevate PSL’s value
The PSL expansion aligns with PCB’s broader goal of enhancing the league’s global profile and financial valuation. Naseer, however, admitted that PSL’s franchise valuation has seen a decline in recent years, even as the IPL’s commercial value continues to surge.
In an effort to strengthen viewership and attract top players, the PCB had earlier decided to schedule PSL 2025 alongside IPL 2025. The move was intended to offer players an alternative platform, but it largely backfired as most top international players opted for the IPL instead.
Only a handful of unsold IPL players and a few others like Corbin Bosch, who eventually chose the IPL despite being picked in the PSL draft, participated in Pakistan’s league.
What lies ahead
With the inclusion of two new teams in PSL 2026, the tournament will expand to eight franchises, increasing match volume, fan engagement, and potential sponsorship revenue. The expansion could also lead to a revised scheduling format and an extended season window to accommodate the new fixtures.
The November auction is expected to attract strong interest from both local and international investors as PSL looks to solidify its standing among global T20 leagues.
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