PCB shortlists 10 bidders for auction of two new PSL franchises

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday announced that it has approved 10 bidders after completing the technical evaluation of proposals for the sale of two new franchises of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), 24NewsHJD TV reported.

The auction for the two franchises is scheduled to take place on January 8, 2026, at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.

The development follows strong interest from both local and international investors, with the PCB earlier confirming that it had received a total of 12 proposals from parties from the five countries.

In a statement, the PCB said that investors from the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan had expressed interest in acquiring the new franchises.

 

“A total of 12 proposals were received from interested parties within the stipulated deadline and were scrutinised by the PCB Bid Committee over the last three days,” the board said. 

 “Following a thorough and transparent evaluation process, the PCB Bid Committee has qualified 10 bidders who have successfully met the technical criteria and now enter the second stage,” the statement added.

The PCB confirmed that the 10 technically qualified bidders will now participate in the auction, where franchise rights for the two new HBL PSL teams will be offered.

Successful bidders will be allowed to select their franchise team names from a list of six cities: Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, and Sialkot.

PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer welcomed the strong response, stating that the league’s planned expansion to eight teams reflects its growing stature.

“The league appreciates the strong interest shown by both local and international investors,” Naseer said.

“We look forward to achieving another significant milestone in the expansion and evolution of the PSL as we now prepare for the eagerly awaited auction.”