The Pakistan Super League (PSL), touted as a flagship success story for Pakistani cricket, faces a critical off-season.
Despite celebrating a decade of competitive cricket and growing commercial traction, several critical – arguably existential – issues now confront the new CEO which, depending on how they are resolved, have the potential to accelerate the PSL’s growth into a perennial Tier 1 franchise tournament, or to impact the league’s future momentum.
Key decisions need to be implemented with offseason in its early stages
Salman Naseer, who was appointed PSL CEO last November after serving as PCB’s COO, successfully oversaw the 10th edition of the tournament, despite interruptions arising from India-Pakistan hostilities.
Now that over a month has passed since the May 25th final which saw the Lahore Qalandars emerge as the Season X champions, Naseer and the PSL are turning their attention towards tackling critical follow-up items— including staffing, structural setup, and strategic planning.
The staffing process has started, with one position – a Senior Manager role – having been publicly advertised, and presumably several more coming soon.
Movement on the critical step of creating a company to own the PSL (separate from the PCB) which was previously announced as a concession to team owners, is also expected to start in the near future.
Franchise valuation audit to take place
One of the highest priority matters is the franchise valuation process. Before the 11th edition, all of the PSL’s existing franchise contracts are due for review—a task that requires appointing an outside audit firm to assess market worth and guide new fee structures.
The PCB is reportedly soliciting firms, with the selected one to perform an extensive audit. The valuation process needs to be completed and all negotiations need to be completed well in advance of the next edition of the PSL, tentatively targeted for April 2026, soon after the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Franchises owners awaiting terms
The PCB is preparing to revise its franchise fees on the heels of the audit, with existing team owners to either retain ownership or opt out. While current franchises have indicated their intent to continue, Multan Sultans’ CEO Ali Tareen, has clearly signaled his desire to negotiate down his franchise fees. Tareen, who was the last current owner to buy in, has the highest franchise fee at Rs 1.08 billion ($6.3 million) annually, while other franchises were tendered at a range of rates that were much lower.
Other key existing terms will be addressed, for example the previously fixed PKR to USD exchange rate of Rs 170. With the Rupee having depreciated below Rs 280 per dollar, this rate is expected to change.
Franchise expansion next steps
The PCB previously announced the addition of two new franchise teams in 2026. That said, it is understood this progress can only meaningfully advance after the audit and valuation exercise is complete.
According to previous reports several entities, both domestic and international, have shown preliminary interest, and the PCB has been soliciting interest from investors in the United States and the United Kingdom.
How this takes shape and how these franchises are valued remains to be seen, with recent estimates ranging in the several millions of US dollars per franchise.
Title sponsorship, broadcast rights, and commercial deals all up for renewal
Another crucial set of challenges for Naseer to tackle in the offseason are all of the league’s most essential commercial deals:
- The PSL’s 10-year title sponsorship deal with Habib Bank Limited has expired, and an extension or a new sponsor deal needs to be negotiated.
- The league must finalize both domestic and international broadcast rights deals, along with digital and live streaming agreements.
- A wide array of commercial partnerships—including 8 to 10 ground sponsorship categories—require renewal or renegotiation.
Critical time for PSL’s future
While April 2026 may seem a long way off, between the T20 World Cup and other events in the cricket calendar, the PSL will arrive sooner than expected and, as described above, there are many issues to tackle.
According to insiders, debrief sessions between the PSL and key stakeholders are expected to start as early as this week.
How quickly and effectively Naseer tackles these issues will determine the viability and the stature of the PSL moving forward.
