PSL targets global growth at New York roadshow event, with confirmed dates and franchise expansion
Amid rising international interest, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is preparing for its most ambitious edition yet. Speaking at the HBL PSL New York Roadshow over the weekend, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi officially confirmed the dates for the 11th edition of the league and outlined major developments surrounding its much-anticipated expansion.
The 2025 edition of the PSL will run from March 26 to May 3, marking a significant milestone as the tournament adds two new franchises to its lineup. “A lot of investors here asked us about the timeline of the PSL. So, I can tell you one thing that the PSL 11, by the will of Almighty Allah, will start on March 26, and we are planning to hold the final on May 3,” Naqvi told attendees during a panel discussion at the roadshow.
The announcement followed a similar engagement at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London earlier in the week and comes ahead of a likely third roadshow event in Pakistan on December 20, which Naqvi announced as well at the New York event. The global outreach reflects the league’s strategy to attract investors from across continents.
Due to the scheduling of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the PSL for a second year in a row will overlap completely with the IPL.
Auction date pushed as franchise interest surges
The bidding process for the two new teams — set to expand the league from six to eight franchises — has drawn significant traction from regions including Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. Originally scheduled for January 6 in Islamabad, the auction will now be held on January 8 to accommodate the extended interest.
“Witnessing growing interest from the Europe, USA, the Middle East and beyond in acquiring new HBL PSL teams, we have decided to extend the bid submission deadline by one week to 22 December 2025,” Naqvi wrote on Twitter.
Witnessing growing interest from the Europe, USA, the Middle East and beyond in acquiring new HBL PSL teams, we have decided to extend the bid submission deadline by one week to 22 December 2025.
Good luck to everyone excited to welcome our new franchise owners to the HBL PSL… https://t.co/Z4Is8dGT2k
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) December 12, 2025
This extension follows a revised bid deadline — previously set for December 15 — to ensure potential investors have sufficient time to prepare. The upcoming auction is expected to reshape the league’s commercial landscape as PSL prepares to welcome two new franchise owners into its fold.
“Good luck to everyone excited to welcome our new franchise owners to the HBL PSL family,” Naqvi added in his message.
Flexibility with franchise names
At the New York event, Naqvi also mentioned that for investors based overseas, there would be some flexibility shown by the PCB in the naming of the expansion franchises to allow them to inject some of their identity beyond the chosen Pakistan home city’s name.
A pivotal moment for PSL’s future
Since its inception in 2016, the PSL has steadily grown in stature, initially launching with five teams before adding a sixth in 2018. The addition of two more teams in the 11th season signals a major leap forward, aligning with the PCB’s wider vision of expanding the tournament’s footprint and appeal.
With the league’s core structure now set and interest peaking across investor circles, PSL 11 promises not only high-stakes cricket but also a significant step toward globalizing Pakistan’s flagship T20 tournament.
