The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has moved to secure the financial future of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by guaranteeing minimum earnings for every franchise over the next five editions of the tournament, starting with PSL 11 in 2026.
Under a revised agreement with franchise owners, each team has been assured a minimum payout of Rs. 850 million from the league’s central revenue pool per season. If a franchise’s share falls short of this amount in any edition, the PCB will cover the difference, effectively shielding teams from potential financial losses.
The move is expected to particularly benefit franchises with lower ownership fees, including Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, and Peshawar Zalmi, whose valuations are significantly below those of Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, and Multan Sultans.
Despite the wide gap in franchise valuations, all teams will continue to receive equal shares from the central pool.
According to sources, franchise valuations range from around Rs. 360 million for Quetta Gladiators to Rs. 1.8 billion for Multan Sultans.
Meanwhile, the PCB has reportedly fixed a base price of Rs1.3 billion for each of the two new teams set to be auctioned in Islamabad on January 8.
All franchises are required to spend approximately $1.4 million per season on player salaries, accommodation, and travel. As a result, teams with higher acquisition costs and the incoming franchises face heavier financial commitments.
The financial structure had previously drawn criticism from Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen, who argued that the high valuation of his franchise was leading to sustained losses. In the aftermath of the dispute, ownership rights for the Sultans were not renewed, while agreements with the remaining franchises were extended.
Despite differing costs, 95 per cent of the PSL’s central revenue will continue to be distributed equally among the franchises, with the remaining five per cent retained by the PCB. The payout schedule provides for 50 per cent of the amount to be released two months after the tournament, 40 per cent after four months, and the final 10 per cent after nine months or upon completion of the PCB’s audit.
In addition, franchises stand to gain further benefits if the PCB’s annual net media revenue exceeds Rs. 3 billion. Any excess revenue of up to Rs. 50 million will be allocated for securing elite international players and shared between the PCB and the franchises in an 80:20 ratio, respectively.