Meta Description: Pakistan Cricket Board extends deadline for PSL franchise bids to December 22, 2025, as investors from USA, Europe, and Middle East show growing interest. Read details on the PSL expansion and upcoming auction.
Focus Keywords: PSL franchise bid, Pakistan Super League expansion, PCB franchise auction, PSL 2026, global PSL investors
PSL Franchise Bidding Deadline Extended: PCB Welcomes Global Interest
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced an extension of the deadline for submitting bids for the two new franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). This decision comes in response to growing global interest from investors in Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and beyond.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi made the announcement on X, stating that the original deadline of December 15 has now been extended to December 22, 2025, to accommodate the surge in inquiries.
“Witnessing growing interest from Europe, USA, the Middle East and beyond in acquiring new HBL PSL teams, we have decided to extend the bid submission deadline by one week to 22 December 2025,” Naqvi wrote, quoting an earlier PSL statement about its promotional roadshow in New York.
He added, “Good luck to everyone excited to welcome our new franchise owners to the HBL PSL family.”
Global PSL Roadshows Boost Franchise Interest
The extension of the bidding deadline coincided with a high-profile PSL promotional event in New York City. The roadshow featured current Pakistan players including T20 captain Salman Ali Agha, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, and Saud Shakeel. Legends Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja also attended, alongside singer Ali Zafar.
This roadshow followed a similar event held at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, showcasing PCB’s efforts to attract international investors and elevate the PSL’s global brand presence.
The expansion of the PSL to eight teams for its 11th edition in 2026 marks the first major structural growth of the league since 2018, when the Multan Sultans joined as the sixth team.
Upcoming PSL Auction and League Expansion
The auction for the new franchises is expected to take place shortly after the bidding process concludes. PCB has emphasized transparency in the bidding process and a commitment to infrastructure development, reinforcing its aim to enhance the PSL’s commercial appeal and competitiveness on the international T20 circuit.
With the inclusion of two new franchises, the PSL is positioned to attract further investment and showcase Pakistan’s cricketing talent on a global stage. This expansion is anticipated to bring more opportunities for players, increased fan engagement, and broader international visibility for the league.
PCB’s Vision for a Global PSL
Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, has been vocal about elevating the PSL to a world-class cricketing event. The league’s expansion is not only expected to strengthen the competition domestically but also to enhance Pakistan’s position in the international T20 ecosystem.
Through strategic global roadshows and extended franchise bidding windows, PCB aims to cultivate a more inclusive and competitive PSL, attracting investors with a long-term vision for growth and profitability.
Conclusion: A New Era for PSL
The extension of the PSL franchise bid deadline to December 22 highlights the league’s rising global stature. With strong investor interest from multiple regions and the upcoming auction for new teams, the PSL’s expansion promises an exciting new chapter for Pakistani cricket. Fans and investors alike are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the new franchise owners, who will shape the future of the league for years to come.