The two new teams joining the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Season 11 have perhaps been the worst-kept secret in the league’s history, but management has remained coy about providing further details — until now.
PSL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer has confirmed that the owners of the new teams in Pakistan’s premier T20 competition will be selected through an open auction, meaning the highest bidders will secure the two available franchises.
However, the caveat is that the PSL will determine the host cities for the new teams. While the new owners will be free to shape the identity of their franchise, each team must be based in a city approved by PSL management. Although Salman Naseer hasn’t explicitly revealed the host cities, many in cricketing circles have touted AJK, Sialkot, Hyderabad, and Faisalabad as expected destinations.
“An auction will be held for two new PSL franchises. Interested bidders will be offered a selection of city names to choose from for their team,” Naseer said.
With this expansion, the PSL looks set to enter a new commercial and competitive era. The inclusion of two new franchises will not only broaden the league’s footprint but also open doors for new investors, city-based fanbases, and emerging talent from across Pakistan.
If finalized, PSL 11 will feature eight franchises for the first time in history, marking a major milestone in the league’s evolution since its inception in 2016.
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