As the Pakistan Super League (PSL) prepares to expand from six to eight teams, several high-profile bidders have emerged in the race to secure ownership of the two new franchises.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized the technical evaluation of proposals from interested groups, with the auction set for January 8, 2026, at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.
Here are the four confirmed bidders for the 2 new PSL franchises:
Tareen Group
The Tareen Group, led by businessman Ali Khan Tareen, is one of the confirmed bidders for a new PSL franchise. Tareen was previously the owner of the Multan Sultans, a franchise he acquired through his family’s investment and helped grow into a competitive PSL side since 2018.
Under his stewardship, Multan became one of the league’s most consistent performers, winning the title in 2021 and reaching multiple finals. However, relations between Tareen and the PCB deteriorated over the past year amid disagreements over renewal terms, communication, and broader league governance.
Tareen publicly criticized the PCB for lack of transparency and sidelining Multan in the franchise renewal process, and was notably the only owner not offered a contract extension when other teams signed 10-year deals.
The situation escalated further after the PCB issued a legal notice to Tareen over alleged contract breaches, which he rejected, even posting a defiant response on social media.
In late 2025, Tareen announced he would not renew the Multan Sultans’ ownership contract, stating he would “rather lose the team while standing on my feet than run it from his knees.”
With his departure effective at the end of 2025 and the PCB temporarily took control of the franchise for the 2026 season, Tareen is now eligible to bid for one of the new PSL teams, provided he formally exits the current agreement.
Inverex Solar Energy
Inverex Group, one of Pakistan’s leading renewable energy companies, has officially applied for bidding rights for a new PSL franchise, becoming one of the earliest firms to enter the expansion race and setting the tone for strong corporate competition.
Founded by Muhammad Zakir Ali in 2007, Inverex has built a nationwide reputation in the solar and renewable energy sector, offering solar panels, inverters, battery storage solutions, and complete energy systems for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. The company has played a major role in promoting clean energy adoption across Pakistan amid rising power costs.
VGO TEL
VGO TEL, under CEO Naveed Gaba, is a Karachi-based telecommunications and mobile phone brand, has also submitted its application to bid for a new PSL franchise.
Established in 2007, VGO TEL is known for manufacturing and distributing affordable smartphones and feature phones tailored to the local market. Over the years, the brand has steadily expanded its footprint across Pakistan.
The company already has an established association with Pakistan cricket, having previously served as a PSL sponsor and official smartphone partner in recent editions of the tournament.
OZ Group
OZ Group, chaired by Hamza Majeed, has formally applied for bidding rights for one of the new PSL franchises, further intensifying competition for the league’s expansion.
OZ Group is a diversified conglomerate with business interests spanning real estate, technology, trading, and food services. Beyond its commercial footprint, the group has also been actively involved in sports-related ventures.
The company operates across multiple international markets, including Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, and the UAE, giving it a strong regional and overseas presence.
Once successful bidders are confirmed, they will have the opportunity to choose a home city from a list the PCB has circulated, which includes Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit.
Best of luck and keep it up