The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is moving to finalize the addition of two new franchises to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), with expanded financial benchmarks and extended timelines to accommodate rising investor interest. According to a report by Dawn, the PCB has set a base price of Rs1.30 billion (approx. US$ 4.6M) per year for each new team — a figure that reflects the league’s surging valuation and growing commercial footprint.
While the board has not yet released an official statement, sources familiar with the matter told Dawn that this marks a near threefold increase compared to previous franchise benchmarks. The league, which originally priced teams in US dollars at its 2016 inception, will now conduct all commercial dealings in Pakistani rupees — a notable shift intended to align with domestic economic structures.
PSL pushes expansion through global outreach and revised deadlines
In parallel with the revised pricing, the PCB has extended the submission deadline for franchise proposals to December 22, up from the initial date of December 15. The update, reported by ProPakistani, offers potential investors additional time to prepare team name options, logos, and branding materials as part of their bids.
Six cities — Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Hyderabad, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit — have already been shortlisted as possible bases for the new teams, with two to be finalized by January. Interest has already intensified, with the Inverex Solar Group emerging as a leading contender. The company, a longtime PSL and PCB sponsor, is expected to place a bid for a franchise based in either Faisalabad or Rawalpindi.
Adding to the intrigue, the report also stated that the Aga Khan Group is exploring the opportunity to own a team, potentially anchored in Gilgit. These developments align with the PCB’s broader efforts to tap both domestic and international capital for league growth.
US roadshow to attract foreign investment ahead of January auction
To complement its local engagement, the PCB has launched a global outreach campaign aimed at securing international investment. After hosting a roadshow in London, the board has now scheduled a high-profile investor event in New York City this Saturday, December 13, 2025 — a calculated move to promote the PSL’s international appeal.
Six Pakistani national team players, including T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, and Saud Shakeel, will be present to highlight the league’s commercial viability. The auction for the two new franchises is scheduled for January 6, with announcements expected soon after.
Strong investor interest continues to build as local conglomerates and international entrepreneurs prepare their bids. Companies with experience in real estate, solar energy, and cricket sponsorship are among the frontrunners, alongside business groups from the US, UK, and Europe aiming to enter the PSL’s expanding ecosystem.
