PCB Adds Seventh Bidder As PSL Expansion Race Gathers Pace

The Pakistan Cricket Board has revealed the seventh qualified bidder for the upcoming auction of two new Pakistan Super League teams, adding another layer of intrigue to one of the league’s most significant moments yet.

The board broke the news through its official channels, confirming Prism Estate & Builders as the latest name cleared to take part. The announcement landed just hours after the PCB had already confirmed a sixth bidder, underlining the growing appetite around the league’s expansion.

Auction Day Draws Closer

The auction will be held in Islamabad on Thursday at the Jinnah Convention Centre. The league is moving from six teams to eight. If plans stay on track, the next PSL season will run from March 26 to May 3.

The PCB has worked behind the scenes and reviewed technical proposals from interested groups. Officials checked financial strength, long-term plans, and operational readiness. Bidders received approval only after meeting these requirements.

Familiar Faces, Old Stories

Businessman Ali Khan Tareen leads the group, as his name already holds a place in PSL history. He bought Multan Sultans in 2018, and under his leadership, the team gained stability. It won the title in 2021 and reached several finals.

Disputes over renewal terms and governance caused tension with the PCB. The board did not offer Tareen a 10-year extension. The situation worsened after a legal notice over alleged contract breaches, and then Tareen announced his exit in late 2025. 

Cities Waiting in Line

Successful bidders can choose a home city from a PCB-approved list that includes Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Hyderabad, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit. Each option brings its own commercial pull and fan base, ensuring the decisions will stretch beyond the paddle drop.

With interest rising and names stacking up, Thursday’s auction now feels like a contest. The league is growing, and so is the climb to be part of it.