PSL to Add Two New Teams and Venues in Next Season

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is gearing up for its biggest transformation since its inception, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed plans to add two new teams and two additional venues for the next edition of the tournament. PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer revealed the expansion details during a podcast released by the PCB on Friday, marking a major step forward in the league’s evolution.

Also Read: Ali Tareen Slams PSL Over Legal Notice Dispute

Salman stated that the PCB is “very seriously considering moving on to six venues this time,” expressing confidence that PSL 11 will be played across six different cities. Among the most anticipated developments is the inclusion of Peshawar’s long-delayed Imran Khan Stadium, formerly known as Arbab Niaz Stadium. He noted that while the stadium is nearly ready, a few final upgrades and a long-term lease agreement remain pending before it can host matches of international standards.

“We are certainly trying to prepare it for PSL 11,” Salman said. “But for the PCB to invest significantly in this venue, we need to have a long-term lease in place.”

He also confirmed that Faisalabad is being lined up as another new host city. “The other venue, as people may have already guessed, is Faisalabad,” he said, pointing out that the city’s Iqbal Stadium has already been hosting international fixtures.

The addition of new venues is only part of the PCB’s wider vision for PSL’s expansion. Salman Naseer also announced that the board plans to introduce two new franchises in the upcoming season. The tender process for team sales will begin in November, with interest from investors already exceeding expectations. “There is a lot of interest and we are very keen to explore that interest,” he added. “And how things look right now, it seems there’s going to be a lot of competition here too.”

If realized, the expansion will take the number of PSL teams from six to eight for the first time, marking the league’s largest restructuring since 2018, when the Multan Sultans joined as the sixth franchise. The move is seen as a step toward strengthening the PSL’s commercial and competitive potential, opening new opportunities for regional cricketing talent, and expanding the league’s fan base across Pakistan.

The news of PSL’s expansion, however, comes amid a tense period between the PCB and some franchise owners. Just a day before the announcement, reports emerged that the board had sent a legal notice to Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen, threatening the termination of his franchise agreement over alleged breaches of conduct.

Sources suggest that the PCB took exception to Ali Tareen’s repeated public criticism of the board’s management of the PSL. Tareen had earlier questioned the league’s lack of innovation and declining engagement, urging the PCB to focus on modernization and growth. In response, Multan Sultans issued a statement calling the board’s reaction “outrageous,” arguing that constructive criticism should not be treated as a violation.

Later that night, Ali Tareen posted a defiant video on social media holding what appeared to be the legal notice, criticizing the PSL’s leadership and dramatically tearing up the document on camera.

Despite the controversy, the PSL remains Pakistan’s premier sporting brand, known for its high level of competition and global appeal. The addition of two new teams and venues promises to further enhance its reach, offering fans across the country more opportunities to experience live matches.

As anticipation builds, the upcoming PSL season is shaping up to be a landmark event—one that could redefine the league’s future and strengthen Pakistan’s position in the world of T20 cricket.