The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a new set of rewards for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) edition scheduled for April 2026, aiming to further boost competition and franchise engagement. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Friday that while the champions will continue to receive $500,000, the runners-up team will now take home $300,000, an increase from last year’s $200,000 reward. In addition, a $200,000 prize will be awarded to the “best franchise contributing towards cricket development,” highlighting efforts to support the growth of the sport beyond the field.
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Naqvi described the announcement as part of the PSL’s ongoing growth strategy, aimed at enhancing both the competitive and commercial aspects of the league. He emphasized that these new rewards would incentivize franchises to improve not only performance but also their contribution to cricket development across Pakistan, ensuring the league remains a vibrant platform for talent and innovation.
Alongside the rewards announcement, the PCB confirmed that the auction for two new PSL franchise teams is set for 6 January 2026, with the decision on the shortlisted cities to be made after December 15. The expansion marks the first major restructuring of the league in seven years and will increase the total number of teams from six to eight. The board said the move reflects its commitment to broadening the PSL’s footprint across Pakistan while creating fresh commercial, sporting, and fan engagement opportunities.
Since its inception in 2016 with five teams, the PSL has steadily grown in popularity and scale. The addition of Multan Sultans in 2018 brought the total to six, and the upcoming inclusion of two more teams signals the league’s ambition to enhance competition and reach new markets within the country. PCB officials stressed that the expansion would not only provide new avenues for franchises to thrive commercially but also offer more opportunities for players to showcase their skills on a larger stage.
The reward structure announced by Naqvi is designed to recognize excellence on multiple fronts. While the champions’ prize and runners-up reward focus on on-field performance, the $200,000 prize for the best franchise contributing to cricket development reflects the PCB’s long-term vision of nurturing grassroots cricket, supporting community initiatives, and encouraging teams to play a proactive role in the sport’s ecosystem.
The board also highlighted that the upcoming PSL edition would be critical for strengthening fan engagement across Pakistan. With two new franchises, the league anticipates greater regional representation, which is expected to boost attendance, viewership, and social media interaction. This expansion aligns with the PSL’s ongoing efforts to maintain its status as one of the premier T20 leagues in the world, blending competitive cricket with entertainment and commercial growth.
The announcement comes at a time when the PSL has consistently delivered exciting cricket seasons, attracting international talent and increasing the league’s global appeal. The new rewards and expansion plans are expected to further motivate franchises to enhance performance, improve infrastructure, and engage more actively in promoting cricket at all levels.
PCB’s strategic focus on expansion and incentives demonstrates a commitment to balancing sporting excellence with financial sustainability. By rewarding teams for performance and contributions to cricket development, the league is encouraging innovation, professionalism, and long-term planning among franchise owners. This approach is expected to strengthen the PSL’s reputation, attract more investment, and ensure a competitive and exciting tournament for fans and players alike.
With the auction and city shortlist decision on the horizon, the PSL’s April 2026 edition promises to be one of the most anticipated seasons yet, combining enhanced rewards, expanded participation, and fresh opportunities for growth across Pakistan’s cricketing landscape.
