ISLAMABAD: The year 2026 will see a new beginning in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with all the existing franchises required to meet fresh financial challenges to stay within the family of now a highly profitable League.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday chaired a high level meeting that envisaged a future formation of PSL starting from 2026 when two new franchises will be added and the existing six will have to meet a fresh financial benchmarks in an effort to stay in the future PSL family.
“The year 2026 will signal the fresh beginning for the PSL as besides the addition of two new franchises, the existing six will have to get a fresh lease to continue their affiliation with the PSL, meaning a new bidding process will start even for the franchises who have been part of the PSL for the past ten years,” a source within the meeting where all the franchises representatives also participated, told The News.
According to the details available with The News, the PCB and franchises have agreed to hire a reputed Evaluation firm which will be responsible to evaluate market price of the exciting six franchises for a fresh contract. “The PCB has decided to give first right of buying the franchise to the existing owners (for a period that will be decided in due course). In case any of the franchise decides against buying it on the fresh price, the PCB would have the right to float a tender for fresh bidding. For example, if the Evaluation Committee decides that the market value of Lahore Qalandars is Rs three billion for the next 15 years, Qalandars existing owners will have the first option to buy it. On their refusal to meet the prize, the PCB will float the tender with franchise ownership to be handed over to the highest bidder.”
The PCB also praised the immense contribution of franchises in making PSL as one of top brands around the world. “PSL has the legal option to add two new teams in the tenth edition (2025) as per the given contract clauses but has decided not to go ahead considering the immense contribution of these franchises. Such a step will also reduce the overall profit of the six franchises. So every fresh move has been left for 2026 (11th edition),” the source said.
The PSL owners also suggested making PSL a separate entity (separate from PCB) considering its growing value. “PSL franchises have been asked to submit a detailed proposal highlighting the benefits of making PSL a separate entity. Three weeks’ time has been given to franchises to submit suggestions.”
On the PCB decision to set an April-May window for the PSL 10 (2025), there were some concerns by franchise representatives. They suggested that PCB should come up with a detailed summary on the benefits of organizing PSL side by side to IPL in 2025. “PCB has agreed to submit a detailed summary and details of benefits with the franchise owners within a short period of time.”
The PCB has plans to hold four PSL 10 playoff matches next year in England at Edgbaston (Birmingham), Old Trafford (Manchester) and the Oval (London). “Though verbal communication has been going on between the PCB and ECB for months now, from next week a series of meetings will start with the ECB and PCB officials in England to give the proposal a final approval. “PCB COO Salam Naseer will be heading the talks with the ECB officials and other stakeholders in England. Chairman PCB may join these negotiations on or around May 30 when Pakistan will be playing its fourth T20 in London.”
During the meeting, Mohsin Naqvi also instructed the domestic cricket department to prepare and present a competitive schedule of events that can help bridge the gap with international cricket
Mohsin Naqvi emphasizes the need for domestic cricketers to have more playing and earning opportunities while also enhancing the quality of cricket Mohsin Naqvi expresses his desire to launch additional T20, 50-over and four-day events in the 2024-25 domestic cricket calendar.
“I want professional cricketers to be engaged throughout the year so they can continue to improve and are also in their best shapes when required for national duty” - Mohsin Naqvi. “A strong, competitive and robust domestic cricket structure will help increase the pool of players, which will benefit the Pakistan cricket team,” says Mohsin Naqvi.