PCB Seemingly Confirms That Some PSL Franchises Will Have New Owners

Preparations for a new 10-year Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise cycle have reportedly entered the final stages, and major changes are expected in team ownership after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that only “eligible franchises” will be part of the upcoming agreements.

The board’s statement has sparked speculation that several franchises could soon have new owners ahead of the league’s next phase.

In an official statement issued on Sunday, the PCB said representatives from global accounting firm EY MENA met with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore to present the long-awaited PSL valuation report, which will form the foundation for the new franchise contracts. The high-level meeting was attended by PSL CEO Salman Naseer, PCB COO Sumair Ahmed, along with EY MENA team, who briefed the chairman on the league’s current market assessment and growth outlook.

Following the presentation, Mohsin Naqvi instructed officials to meet all franchise owners and finalise the new deals “as soon as possible.” The existing six franchise contracts are set to expire in December, marking the end of the PSL’s first 10-year cycle since its launch in 2015.

Significantly, the PCB also confirmed that the number of teams is expected to increase from six to eight under the new structure, signalling the league’s biggest expansion since inception. The new contract values, the board said, will be determined solely on the basis of EY MENA’s independent report to ensure transparency and competitiveness.

However, the phrase “eligible franchises” has raised eyebrows, especially given the tensions between the PCB and Multan Sultans, who were accused of breaching clauses in their existing agreement. Sultans’ owner Ali Tareen has refused to back down from a legal battle with the PCB, fueling speculation that the franchise may not be allowed to continue under his ownership — even if he bids for the revised rights.

Reportedly, all six teams will be required to pay a 25% markup on top of the new valuation fees determined by EY MENA, to secure rights for the next decade. If current owners refuse, not just Multan but other teams could also see ownership changes.

As the PSL moves into its second decade, the combination of new ownership possibilities, team expansion, and a market-driven contract model sets the stage for what could be the most transformative phase in the league’s history. However, with legal trouble already looming, the next chapter of the Pakistan Super League is starting on a controversial note.