ISLAMABAD: The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) is poised to enter a new chapter as the much-anticipated auction for two new franchises takes place on Thursday (today), at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad.
The landmark event will formally usher the league into an expanded era, growing from six to eight teams ahead of its 11th edition, scheduled from 26 March to 3 May 2026. The high-profile ceremony will commence at 4:15pm and will be broadcast live across multiple platforms, including the HBL PSL and PCB official YouTube channels, and PCB Live (UK region), ensuring global reach for fans and stakeholders alike.
Adding star power to the evening, legendary vocalist Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will enthrall the audience with a live performance following the conclusion of the bidding process. Before the auction drama unfolds, the spotlight will shine on Pakistan’s emerging cricketing talent. The Pakistan Shaheens, winners of the Men’s Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 in Doha, along with the victorious Hong Kong Super Sixes squad, will be formally felicitated for their outstanding achievements setting a celebratory tone for the evening.
As PSL prepares for its most ambitious leap yet, 10 technically qualified bidders will lock horns for ownership of the two new franchises. The bidders represent a diverse and powerful mix of businesses, spanning agrobusiness, telecommunications, real estate, cutting-edge technology firms from Pakistan and abroad, and even a US-based software company, underscoring PSL’s growing international appeal.
The cities shortlisted for potential franchise allocation are Faisalabad, Gilgit, Hyderabad, Muzaffarabad, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot, each offering a unique cricketing identity and fan base. Two of these cities are set to join the elite club of PSL homes alongside established franchises: three-time champions Lahore Qalandars (2022, 2023, 2025) and Islamabad United (2016, 2018, 2024), Peshawar Zalmi (2017), Quetta Gladiators (2019), Karachi Kings (2020), and Multan Sultans (2021).
The momentum behind the expansion was fuelled by the resounding success of the HBL PSL roadshows in London and New York on 7 and 13 December 2025, respectively. While 12 parties initially submitted bids, a rigorous technical evaluation narrowed the field to 10 contenders.
Aim Next Inc – Mr. Umar Mushtaq & Mr. Ali Mushtaq
Deharki Sugar Mills – Mr. Makhdoom Syed Ali Mahmud
FKS – Mr. Fawad Sarwar
Inverex – Mr. Muhammad Zakir Ali
i2c – Mr. Amir Wain
Jazz – Mr. Amir Ibrahim
OZ Developers – Mr. Hamza Majeed
Prism Developers – CEO Mr. Masood Alvi
VGO TEL – Mr. Naveed Gaba
Walee Technologies – Mr. Ahsan Tahir
