PSL to Add Two New Teams, Restructure League by 2026

Existing franchises face revaluation as league prepares for 8-team format

Big news is brewing in the world of cricket: the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is gearing up to grow from six to eight teams starting in 2026. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced an auction for two shiny new franchises before the league’s 11th season—so if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a cricket team, now’s your chance to throw your hat in the ring! Bidding groups will get to pick from a secret menu of city names, but for now, the PCB is keeping those cards close to its chest. The suspense is real, folks.

Right now, the PSL lineup reads like a who’s who of Pakistani cricket: Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, Peshawar Zalmi, and Multan Sultans. But don’t get too comfortable—each franchise is currently under the financial microscope, with Ernst & Young (EY) crunching the numbers as part of a 10-year extension process. Existing owners get first dibs to renew their rights, but if anyone decides to walk away, those teams could be up for grabs to the highest bidder. It’s a bit like musical chairs, but with a lot more money and cricket bats involved.

Meanwhile, the PCB is plotting a major shake-up behind the scenes. The plan? To give the PSL its own legal wings within the board, aiming for smoother management and a little extra transparency. Think of it as moving out of your parents’ house—exciting, a bit nerve-wracking, but ultimately a step toward independence.

Of course, no cricket drama would be complete without a bit of off-field action. Ali Tareen, the outspoken owner of the Multan Sultans, has taken the PSL management to task in public, and the league has responded with a legal notice. If this back-and-forth continues, his ownership could be on shaky ground. It’s a classic case of “he said, league said”—and everyone’s watching to see who blinks first.

With new teams on the horizon, franchise values under the magnifying glass, and management restructuring in the works, the PSL is heading into uncharted territory. Cricket fans and team owners alike will be glued to every twist and turn—because in this league, the only thing more unpredictable than the final score is what happens off the pitch.