The Pakistan Super League is once again at the center of attention as discussions grow around the addition of two new franchises. Rumours have been circulating about which cities will be selected, but the Pakistan Cricket Board has now made it clear that no final decision has been made yet. This clarification comes at a time when fans, investors and analysts have been actively debating possible outcomes, especially after reports claimed that two cities had already been chosen. The board has firmly stated that the selection process is still underway and that the official confirmation will come only after December 15.
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The conversation intensified when PSL management confirmed last week that six cities are under consideration. These include Hyderabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad and Sialkot. The shortlist was created after the PCB received valuation reports for the two new teams. Each of these cities has a passionate cricket following, and the announcement immediately sparked excitement among supporters who hoped their city would be part of the league. With PSL growing consistently over the years, expansion has been one of the most anticipated developments, and the addition of two new teams is viewed as a major milestone for Pakistan cricket.
The PCB issued a formal statement addressing the rumours that had spread across media channels. The board denied any claims about the finalized team names, emphasizing that such decisions will be made only after the bidding process concludes. According to the board, successful bidders will be allowed to choose their preferred team name from the list of proposed cities. This selection process is guided by the rules set out in the bid documents, ensuring transparency and fairness. The PCB also highlighted that it welcomes the increasing interest from potential franchise owners, suggesting that PSL’s growing value is evident from the response received so far.
The board further explained that an official advertisement for the franchise rights was published on November 15. This marked the beginning of the formal tendering window. Interested parties are required to submit their Technical Proposals by December 15 at 11am. Only after reviewing these proposals and completing the evaluation process will the board announce the successful bidders. Once this step is done, team names and city affiliations will be finalized. Until that point, no assumptions or reports about the chosen cities can be treated as official. This clarification has helped bring clarity to an otherwise confusing wave of speculations.
This expansion marks a significant moment in PSL history. The tournament started in 2016 with just five teams and quickly gained popularity for its competitive cricket, international player participation and its role in reviving cricket within the country. The addition of Multan Sultans in 2018 expanded the league to six teams and strengthened its national footprint. Now, with two more teams on the horizon, PSL is preparing for its largest structural change in more than seven years. The expansion from six to eight teams is expected to create more opportunities for emerging cricketers, increase regional representation and broaden the fan base.
Cricket fans and analysts believe that adding two more teams will not only increase the number of matches but also improve competitiveness. More teams mean more talent getting exposure and more players being identified at the domestic and international levels. This also opens the door for more local economies to benefit from PSL related activities including merchandising, hospitality and local business boosts during match seasons. Each potential city on the list carries its own cricketing history and fan culture, making the final selection even more impactful for supporters.
While the rumours created temporary confusion, PCB’s timely clarification has ensured that expectations are now aligned with the official process. The cricket community now awaits December 15, when the bidding deadline closes and the next steps begin. Until then, discussions will continue, excitement will grow and anticipation will rise among fans hoping their city’s name will be called. The expansion is a clear indication of PSL’s growing stature and the increasing confidence investors and fans have in the league. Once the final announcement is made, it will set the stage for a new era in Pakistan’s most celebrated cricket tournament.
