The Pakistan Cricket Board has entered a new phase of preparation for the future expansion of the HBL Pakistan Super League, signaling confidence in the league’s growing commercial and sporting value. In a media interaction held in Lahore, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi shared several key updates related to the PSL, ranging from branding decisions and franchise expansion to scheduling considerations and international cricket matters.
One of the most notable announcements made by the PCB chairman was the induction of legendary former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram as the official brand ambassador of the HBL Pakistan Super League. According to Naqvi, the appointment is aimed at strengthening the league’s image both locally and internationally.
Wasim Akram, widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, is expected to play an active role in promoting the PSL across different platforms. Naqvi confirmed that Akram will not be a symbolic figurehead alone, but will be closely involved in league-related activities, including being present at the auction of the two new PSL franchises that is scheduled to take place on January 8.
The PCB chairman emphasized that the board’s primary focus at this stage is the upcoming franchise auction, which he described as a crucial milestone in the league’s expansion journey. He noted that investor interest has been exceptionally strong, reflecting growing confidence in the PSL as a sustainable and profitable sporting product. Naqvi expressed optimism that the bidding process would result in competitive prices for the new teams, adding that the board expects healthy financial outcomes from the auction.
Providing further insight into the process, Naqvi revealed that a total of 10 parties have successfully qualified to participate in the bidding for the two new franchises. These bidders were shortlisted after a detailed evaluation process conducted by the PCB’s Bid Committee. The auction itself is set to be held in Islamabad on January 8, at the Jinnah Convention Centre, where the qualified bidders will compete to secure ownership rights for the new teams.
In addition to discussing new franchises, Naqvi addressed the future of the Multan Sultans franchise. He announced that the Multan Sultans team will be put up for auction after the conclusion of the upcoming PSL season. Until that process is completed, the franchise will be operated directly by the PCB during PSL 11. Clarifying speculation surrounding ownership matters, Naqvi stated that Ali Tareen would be eligible to own a new franchise if he successfully secures one during the bidding process. This clarification was aimed at ensuring transparency and dispelling confusion regarding franchise ownership rules.
The PCB chairman also touched upon scheduling matters for the next edition of the PSL. He disclosed that the board is considering bringing forward the start date of the tournament. Instead of commencing on March 26, as initially planned, the PCB is exploring the possibility of starting the league on March 23. However, Naqvi stressed that no final decision has been made yet and that consultations with all existing franchises are ongoing to ensure that any adjustment to the schedule is mutually agreeable.
Beyond domestic cricket, Naqvi also commented on recent developments involving Pakistan at the international level, particularly during the Under-19 Asia Cup. He revealed that the PCB has formally approached the International Cricket Council regarding what it described as inappropriate behavior by Indian players during the tournament. Referring to reports that Indian players were unwilling to engage in customary handshakes with Pakistani players, Naqvi remarked that mutual respect is essential in international sport. He added that if Indian players are not interested in such gestures, Pakistan players are equally unenthusiastic about forced formalities.
A day prior to Naqvi’s press conference, the PCB had already shared important details regarding the franchise expansion through an official statement posted on social media platform X. According to the statement, the PCB Bid Committee completed the technical assessment of proposals submitted by interested parties for the purchase of the two new PSL franchises. The board disclosed that it had received a total of 12 proposals from prospective bidders, including parties from different parts of the world, highlighting the league’s international appeal.
These proposals underwent a comprehensive and transparent scrutiny process conducted by the Bid Committee. After evaluating each submission against the required technical criteria, the committee approved 10 bidders who met all the necessary standards. These successful applicants were then cleared to move on to the next phase of the process, which is the live auction scheduled for January 8.
The PCB further explained that during the auction, the qualified bidders will not only compete financially but will also be given the opportunity to select their franchise identities. Successful bidders will be allowed to choose their team names from a list of six cities made available by the board. These cities include Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, and Sialkot. The inclusion of these locations reflects the PCB’s intention to expand the league’s geographical footprint and bring top-level cricket closer to fans across different regions of Pakistan.
Overall, the series of announcements underscore the PCB’s broader strategy to strengthen the PSL as a premier T20 league. By bringing in a globally respected cricketing icon like Wasim Akram as brand ambassador, expanding the number of franchises, and ensuring a transparent bidding process, the board appears determined to elevate the league’s stature.
At the same time, discussions around scheduling flexibility and firm stances on international sporting conduct indicate that the PCB is looking to balance commercial growth with sporting integrity. As January 8 approaches, attention will increasingly turn to Islamabad, where the auction is expected to shape the next chapter of the Pakistan Super League.