The event was attended by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, along with a large number of players, officials, and stakeholders from the cricketing community.
The ceremony began with the introduction of nine bidding parties and six potential host cities. Shortly after, Chairman Mohsin Naqvi rang the ceremonial bell, officially opening the bidding process and setting the tone for what many described as a historic moment for the league.
Following the withdrawal of former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen, the competition moved ahead among nine parties. The two successful bidders will be allowed to choose team names from Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, and Sialkot cities that reflect Pakistan’s diverse cricketing landscape.
PSL Season 11 is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, 2026. With the addition of two new franchises, the number of PSL teams will increase from six to eight, widening the league’s reach and strengthening its competitive balance.
Addressing the gathering, PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer said the league’s first decade was shaped by both challenges and triumphs.
‘We are not fighting for survival,’ he remarked. ‘We are moving forward and growing with purpose.’ He also paid tribute to teams, players, sponsors, franchise owners, and fans, stating that PSL’s global recognition is the result of their collective support and trust.
Earlier in the event, Pakistan Shaheens and the Hong Kong Sixes teams were also honored for their recent tournament successes. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi personally presented awards to the winning sides, highlighting PCB’s commitment to recognizing performance and effort.
The victorious Pakistani team of the Hong Kong Super Sixes received a cash prize of Rs185 million, while the Rising Stars Asia Cup-winning team was awarded Rs900 million, underscoring the board’s focus on rewarding excellence.
In a key development during the auction, FKS secured the seventh PSL team with a winning bid of Rs175 billion, further confirming strong investor confidence in the league’s future.
With new teams, new cities, and renewed ambition, the PSL continues to evolve no longer just a cricket tournament, but a growing symbol of Pakistan’s sporting promise.
