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PSL Expansion Revealed: Six Cities Battle for Two New Franchise Spots

The Pakistan Cricket Board has identified six cities as potential homes for two new PSL franchises. Bidders can choose from Hyderabad, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, and Rawalpindi for team ownership. The PCB has arranged meetings with independent valuers to ensure complete transparency in the franchise valuation process. Interestingly, the upcoming PSL season faces scheduling conflicts with the Indian Premier League despite these expansion plans.

Key Points: PCB Shortlists Six Cities for New PSL Franchises

  • Six cities including Hyderabad and Faisalabad compete for new PSL teams
  • Tender process for franchise ownership begins in coming days
  • Independent valuer EY MENA ensures transparent valuation methodology
  • PSL 11 schedule clashes with IPL despite expansion plans
2 min read

PCB shortlists six cities for two new PSL franchises

PCB reveals Hyderabad, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, and Rawalpindi as potential cities for two new PSL teams in upcoming expansion.

"The PCB remains committed to maintaining a fair, transparent and mutually beneficial partnership with all PSL stakeholders - PCB Statement"

Lahore, Nov 14

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed six potential cities for bidders interested in acquiring the rights to own two new teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for the upcoming decade.

In a recent meeting between PSL CEO Salman Naseer and current franchise representatives, the PCB announced that bidders would be able to select from Hyderabad, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, and Rawalpindi. The process to acquire ownership of the new teams will begin with the issuance of tenders in the coming days, with the sale expected to be concluded by next month.

Following the conclusion of this exercise, renewal offer letters reflecting the new franchise fees for the next 10 years have been formally shared with all compliant PSL Franchises requesting them to revert with their decision within the stipulated timeline.

“To ensure full transparency and facilitate a clear understanding of the valuations, the PCB has also arranged collective and individual meetings between franchise representatives and the independent valuer (EY MENA). These sessions will allow the franchises to review the valuation methodology and discuss any queries,” the PCB said in a statement.

“The valuation reports for two new PSL Franchise Teams have also been received by the PCB and the tender process for their sale will be formally initiated shortly,” it added.

The PCB added that it remains “committed to maintaining a fair, transparent and mutually beneficial partnership with all PSL stakeholders, as the league continues to play a pivotal role in the growth and global recognition of Pakistan cricket”.

Despite these developments, the meeting did not finalise the schedule for the 11th edition of the PSL, which is expected to clash once again with the Indian Premier League (IPL), as both leagues are likely to be held between March and May next year. This scheduling conflict may raise concerns for players and teams as they balance participation in both leagues.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting development. The transparency measures by PCB are commendable. However, the constant scheduling clash with IPL affects the quality of both tournaments. Wish there was better coordination between cricket boards for the benefit of players and fans.
A
Arjun K
Gilgit and Muzaffarabad getting teams would be great for cricket development in those regions. But the IPL-PSL clash is problematic - players have to choose between better pay and home league. Tough situation for Pakistani cricketers especially.
S
Sarah B
As a cricket enthusiast, I appreciate PSL's growth. The expansion to six new cities shows cricket's popularity in Pakistan. Though I follow IPL more closely, healthy competition between leagues is good for the sport globally. Hope they resolve the scheduling issues.
V
Vikram M
Rawalpindi already has good cricket infrastructure, so that makes sense. But the real challenge will be managing player availability with IPL running simultaneously. Franchise owners will have tough decisions to make about squad composition.
K
Kavya N
The 10-year commitment shows long-term planning, which is good. But I wonder if the market can sustain so many teams. IPL has 10 teams and works because of India's massive population and economy. Hope PSL doesn't overextend itself. 🤔

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