Pakistan Super League (PSL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer has confirmed plans to expand the league by introducing two new teams, while also addressing recent controversy involving Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Naseer confirmed that interested parties will be invited to bid for the new teams, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) offering a pool of city names for bidders to choose from.
“An auction will be held for two new PSL franchises. Bidding parties will be given a pool of city names from which they can select one team,” he said.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content daily
The decision comes as the revaluation of the existing six franchises nears completion.
Naseer explained that once the independent audit report by Ernst & Young (EY) is finalized, the new benchmark prices for franchise extensions will be shared with team owners.
“Each franchise that is in full compliance with its contractual obligations will be presented with the updated valuation figures,” he said.
“They will have the first right of renewal for the next ten editions based on that valuation. If any franchise chooses not to renew, their rights will be offered through an open process, allowing new investors to come in,” he added.
The PSL chief noted that the league’s structure is set for its biggest expansion yet — growing from six to eight teams.
“Interest is already overwhelming,” Naseer revealed, adding that base prices for the new teams would be “significantly higher” than before.
READ: HBL renews PSL title sponsorship for two more seasons
He also confirmed that the PSL has now been registered as a separate entity under the PCB umbrella, aimed at ensuring focused operations while maintaining coordination with the parent body.
“The debate is ongoing at the Board of Governors about how much autonomy versus synergy is appropriate,” Naseer explained.
“The goal is simple: let the PSL scale while staying integrated where it counts,” he further added.
During the interaction, Naseer also addressed recent controversy surrounding Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen, who publicly criticized the PCB and tore up a legal notice sent by the board.
Naseer called for professionalism and restraint, emphasizing that such matters should be handled privately.
“You want me to do the same thing they’re doing, to tarnish the reputation of this league? I can’t do that,” Naseer said.
“If this matter is to be discussed, it will be done in the boardroom, legally; and if it’s to be resolved, it will happen behind closed doors. Saying anything more would only add fuel to the fire,” he stated.
Tareen’s viral video on social media — where he sarcastically apologized to the PCB and tore up the notice — sparked widespread debate.
The legal notice reportedly accused him of breaching clauses of the PSL franchise agreement and warned of possible contract termination if he failed to comply.
When asked about the participation of Afghan players following their board’s reported withdrawal, Naseer described it as “a developing situation” that will be reviewed before the player draft.
He also shed light on the decision to expand the league, noting that it followed extensive internal assessments.
“Even the decision to have eight teams wasn’t an easy one,” he said.
“You have to look at how big your talent pool is, whether we have enough national and international players to keep the PSL competitive. There are also factors like scheduling, sponsorships, and fan engagement.”
Naseer concluded by expressing optimism about the league’s next phase.
“It’s very exciting. There’s a lot of interest coming in, and I believe the auction process for the two new teams will be very competitive,” he concluded.
