PCB seals global rights deal while holding firm on India blackout
The Pakistan Cricket Board has finalized its international media rights deal for the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League, setting a new commercial benchmark—but with one striking omission: the rights will not be sold in India.
According to an official statement by the PCB, “The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) today announced the successful sale of its International Media Rights for the upcoming season, marking another significant milestone in the league’s continued global expansion.”
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India in cricketing circles, notably with the PCB refusing to field a team against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The decision to withhold PSL broadcast rights from India appears aligned with that broader stance.
Walee Technologies wins bid for global broadcast
The board confirmed that Walee Technologies, a Pakistan-based digital tech firm, secured the one-year deal to broadcast PSL 11 outside India. “The one-year agreement for Global Media Rights for HBL PSL 11, minus India Region, will be awarded to Walee Technologies who was the highest successful bidder who exceeded the PCB’s reserve price,” the PCB said in its official statement.
The exclusion of India marks a stark departure from previous seasons, when platforms like Sony Sports and FanCode had carried PSL coverage in the country. That arrangement collapsed last season after Indian broadcasters suspended coverage midway, reportedly in response to a Pakistan-linked terror incident.
Despite the India blackout, the new media rights deal marks a major financial upswing. “On a comparable, equivalent basis for the same regions, this represents a 149% increase in value compared to the previous cycle, highlighting the growing brand value and reach of HBL PSL worldwide,” the board said.
League stature rises ahead of PSL 11 kickoff
Scheduled from March 26 to May 3, PSL 11 will follow hot on the heels of the T20 World Cup. The player auction is set for February 11, with franchises poised to lock in squads ahead of what is expected to be a high-profile edition of the tournament.
The board believes the rights deal affirms PSL’s emergence as a powerhouse in global franchise cricket. “This substantial uplift underscores the league’s rising stature as one of the world’s leading T20 tournaments,” the PCB said.
PSL CEO credits stakeholders, eyes global trajectory
PSL CEO Salman Naseer hailed the agreement as a milestone in the league’s evolution. “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the International Media Rights sale, which has delivered a remarkable 149% increase over the last cycle for the same regions. This growth is a strong validation of the HBL PSL brand, its competitive quality, and its increasing appeal to cricket fans around the world,” he said in an official statement.
He added that the league’s commercial momentum is only set to continue. “The HBL PSL continues to attract strong global interest, and this agreement reinforces our confidence in the league’s long-term commercial trajectory and its ability to deliver value across diverse international markets.”
Naseer also praised the contribution of PSL’s media partner and wider ecosystem. “We are grateful to Walee Technologies for stepping up the ante in the New Era and breaking past records. The continued rise in international media rights value also reflects the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including franchises, players, and partners, who have played a vital role in positioning the HBL PSL as a globally recognized cricketing property.”
Walee Technologies celebrates ‘Made in Pakistan’ milestone
Muhammad Ahsan Tahir, CEO of Walee Technologies, described the win as a proud moment for Pakistan’s tech ecosystem. “This is a victory for every Pakistani who believes in ‘Made in Pakistan’ technology,” he said in an official statement.
Looking ahead, Tahir promised more innovation in the PSL space. “This is just the start of our HBL PSL journey. We have a lot of plans and we’d like everyone to eagerly await everything Walee is about to do.”
The PCB’s decision to prioritize global expansion while withholding Indian rights underscores how the league’s commercial strategy is being reshaped by cricket’s shifting geopolitical landscape—even as the PSL continues to build its brand as one of the sport’s fastest-growing franchises.
