PSL Gears Up for Open Auction to Add Two New Teams

It’s official. The Pakistan Super League expansion 2025 is happening. CEO Salman Naseer confirmed what fans have been whispering about for months: two new franchises are coming through a high-stakes auction.

The press room at the National Bank Stadium filled with anticipation as Naseer spoke. His words, simple yet seismic, instantly shifted the air around Pakistan cricket’s biggest brand. “An auction will be held for two new PSL franchises,” he said. “Bidding parties will be given a pool of city names to choose from.” He also added.

You could almost hear keyboards clicking as journalists rushed to push the headline. Two new teams. Eight in total. That’s a new era right there.

Independent auditors Ernst & Young (EY) are finalizing the updated valuations of the existing six teams. Once those figures land, the current owners get the first right of renewal, a straight choice between staying in or cashing out.

“Each franchise that’s in full compliance with its agreements will receive its updated valuation,” Naseer explained. “They’ll have the option to renew for the next ten editions.”

If any team opts out, its rights head straight to the open market. And that’s where things could get fiery.

Insiders say several new investors are circling, waiting to grab a slice of Pakistan’s most-watched sporting property. 

The PSL has talked about expanding for years, and now it’s finally happening, not just in size but in structure too. Two new teams mean two new home cities, more fans to cheer them on, and bigger opportunities for broadcasters.

“Interest is already overwhelming,” Naseer said, sidestepping a question about base prices. But his hint was clear enough: the floor price will be “significantly higher” than anything seen before.

That one line had potential bidders shifting in their seats. A higher bar means bigger players at the table. And that’s exactly what the league seems to want, global money and local loyalty blending in one grand cricket carnival.

Interestingly, the PSL is now officially registered as a separate entity under the PCB umbrella. That’s a quiet but crucial shift. It allows the league to focus entirely on its commercial and brand growth while the board oversees governance.

“The debate continues on autonomy versus synergy,” Naseer admitted. “The goal is to let PSL scale while staying connected where it matters.”

Fans online are already predicting which cities might join the mix. Faisalabad? Sialkot? Maybe even Kashmir? Nobody knows yet. And that mystery is half the fun.

The future of the PSL looks exciting, and the coming weeks could decide which city becomes part of Pakistan’s most valuable sporting story.