LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed optimism about the future of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) following a record-breaking franchise auction for the upcoming 11th edition.
At the 82nd Board of Governors (BoG) meeting, chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the board approved audited financial statements for the 2024–25 fiscal year and endorsed several key initiatives, including international collaborations and domestic reforms.
Naqvi reiterated his confidence in PSL’s trajectory, declaring that the league has become a premier destination for investment. “The PSL has now become the best market for investment. The time is not far when the PSL will become the world’s number one league,” he said.
He pointed to the record-breaking team auction, the league’s expansion to eight franchises, and a newly approved collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation as evidence of PSL’s rapid growth. Naqvi also emphasized the league’s increasing appeal to international players and its expanding commercial footprint. His remarks follow earlier comments in which he claimed PSL would soon overtake the Indian Premier League (IPL). While analysts acknowledge PSL’s growth, they note IPL’s financial muscle remains unmatched, with media rights worth over $6 billion USD compared to PSL’s $93 million USD, and prize money for IPL champions far exceeding PSL’s payouts.
This year’s auction marked a new phase in PSL history, with two new franchises introduced in Hyderabad Kingsmen, acquired by FKS Group (Fawad Sarwar) for Rs1.75 billion ($6.24 million). Sialkot Stallionz, purchased by OZ Developers for Rs1.85 billion, later rebranded as Multan Sultans following a majority takeover by CD Ventures in March, raising the franchise’s valuation to Rs2 billion annually.
Additionally, RawalPindiz emerged after Walee Technologies secured ownership with a staggering Rs2.45 billion bid in February. The BoG also approved procedural rules in line with the ICC Global Anti-Corruption Code and sanctioned cooperation with Saudi Arabia for the development of a cricket stadium in Jeddah.
Tributes were paid to Abdullah Khurram Niazi, who stepped down as Director of Domestic Cricket after two years of service. Naqvi praised his dedication: “Over the past two years, Abdullah Khurram Niazi has worked day and night for the promotion of domestic cricket.”
“The PCB’s latest meeting underscored both the league’s commercial success and its broader ambitions. While Naqvi’s claim that PSL will surpass IPL remains aspirational, the record-breaking auction, expansion to new franchises, and international collaborations signal a league on the rise. With bold leadership, fresh investment, and growing global appeal, PSL is positioning itself as a serious contender in the world of franchise cricket—even as IPL continues to dominate in scale and revenue,” said a PCB statement.
