(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
PCB Eyes PSL Expansion to Eight Teams for 2026: A New Era for Pakistan’s Premier T20 League
After successfully completing ten seasons of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing to usher in a bold new chapter. Plans are now underway to expand the league to eight teams for the next edition, scheduled for 2026.
Valuation Process Signals Serious Expansion Plans
While talks of expansion have circulated in the past, credible reports now confirm that the PCB has initiated a formal valuation of the six existing franchises. This process will modernize the PSL’s financial framework and set the stage for future teams.
According to cricket journalist Umar Farooq Kalson, the valuation serves a dual purpose:
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Assessing the current market worth of franchises.
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Establishing a base price for any new entrants.
Franchise owners will be required to meet revised financial commitments, including paying either 25% more than their current fee or 25% of the new market valuation, whichever is higher.
Why Now? PSL’s Commercial Growth Makes It Ideal Timing
Since its launch in 2016, the PSL has evolved into Pakistan’s premier cricket league, both in terms of domestic popularity and international viewership. The league has seen exponential growth in:
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TV and media rights
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Sponsorship deals
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Ticket sales
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Digital and global reach
The shift of the full tournament to Pakistan in 2018 marked a turning point, further increasing fan engagement and revenue opportunities.
Current Franchises and Financial Overview
The PSL currently features six franchises:
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Karachi Kings – $2.6M/year
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Lahore Qalandars – $2.5M/year
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Peshawar Zalmi – $1.6M/year
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Islamabad United – $1.5M/year
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Quetta Gladiators – $1.1M/year
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Multan Sultans – $6.3M/year (highest ever, re-acquired by the Tareen family after initial termination)
With fresh valuations underway, all these figures are expected to rise, reflecting the league’s increased commercial viability.
A Stronger Revenue Model Now in Place
Historically, franchise owners expressed concerns over an imbalanced revenue-sharing model. That issue was addressed after a legal challenge in 2021, leading to a revised structure. Since PSL 7, teams have been receiving 95% of central revenues including media rights, sponsorships, and gate receipts—bringing much-needed financial parity.
This fairer system has laid the foundation for sustainable league growth and has paved the way for expansion.
What to Expect from an Eight-Team League
An expansion to eight teams would:
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Enhance competitive balance
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Increase regional representation
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Provide more opportunities for emerging players
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Unlock new fan bases and sponsorship potential
With infrastructure in place and fan interest at an all-time high, PSL’s move to eight teams could mark the beginning of its most exciting phase yet.
Stay tuned for updates on franchise valuations, team announcements, and what’s next for the PSL as it enters a new era of cricket in Pakistan.
