Tag: PSL

Salman Naseer, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), confirmed on Wednesday that an auction will take place for two new franchises to be included in the tournament’s 11th edition in 2026.

Naseer, during a press conference at the National Bank Stadium, revealed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will soon conduct an auction process for the new franchises.

“An auction will be held for two new PSL franchises,” he said. “Bidding parties will be provided a list of city names, from which they can select one team.”

The CEO announced that all existing sponsorship and franchise agreements from the league’s inaugural cycle have now concluded, following the completion of PSL’s 10th season, which marks a pivotal transition phase for the competition.

“All major contracts, including those with sponsors and franchises, have ended after ten years. HBL will continue as title sponsor for Seasons 11 and 12,” Naseer added.

Reflecting on PSL’s journey, Salman Naseer recalled the challenges faced when the project began in 2015, at a time when international cricket had yet to return to Pakistan.

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“In the beginning, there was limited interest and few sponsors. But once the league started in the UAE, it quickly gained popularity. Even in difficult times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the PSL never stopped,” he said.

He credited all franchises for playing a vital role in strengthening the PSL brand, noting that the league has survived “testing circumstances, including times of political and regional instability.”

Looking ahead, Naseer confirmed that Faisalabad and Peshawar are being considered as future PSL venues, with ongoing efforts to revive cricket in both cities.

“I think from our side, as management and even the other stakeholders, including franchises, everyone wants to expand our footprint beyond these four cities,” said Naseer.

“Peshawar Stadium’s lease matters are being worked out, and both venues are part of our long-term planning.

“Once two new teams come in, final decisions regarding venues and match allocations will be made in consultation with the PCB chairman.”

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LAHORE: Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen have submitted a proposal to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to strengthen the tournament through better governance, transparency, and partnerships.

This comes after the rift between PCB and Multan Sultans. The board had accused Tareen of breaching several clauses of the 10-year contract and demanded a public apology and retraction of his statements.

Following the PCB notice, Ali Tareen responded with a sarcastic apology video, criticising the board’s management and communication approach.

Now, Tareen has written a letter to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, acknowledging the recent tensions and aiming to rebuild trust through structural reforms.

Tareen reasserted the franchise’s long-standing commitment to the league and highlighted the concerns regarding ad hoc decision-making.

He further stressed the need for better management experience and called for institutional processes and accountability.

Among the four key reforms are franchise representation on PSL committees and working groups. Moreover, the letter also mentions Formal inclusion of every franchise so policies reflect the league’s collective experience across scheduling, recruitment, ticketing, marketing, and match-day operations.

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The proposal also notes the need to establish a structured approach for franchises to add value to each part of the PSL’s planning and implementation.

Ali Tareen also urged the board to look at franchise participation in defining roles, vetting candidates, and providing input prior to selection to improve merit-based recruitment and professional standards.

“The PSL can attract top regional talent and should not rely primarily on current or former PCB employees,” the letter read.

“A clear organizational chart with defined departments for operations, marketing, fan engagement, player affairs, and finance, led by a qualified executive team,” it added.

Tareen also emphasized monthly meetings in the proposal to increase mutual collaboration.

“Monthly meetings on fixed dates with agendas circulated in advance, minutes recorded and shared, and action points tracked across finances, operations, marketing, ticketing, player affairs, and fan engagement. This will increase accountability and collaboration.”

The franchise aimed to take PSL to the next level by aligning with all stakeholders.

“The proposal emphasizes partnership over control and aligns all stakeholders around the shared goal of building a globally respected league for Pakistan and its fans.

After a successful decade, Multan Sultans feel it is time to take the PSL to the next level,” it concluded.

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The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to expand, with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer revealing plans for additional venues and the inclusion of two new teams — marking the next phase in the tournament’s evolution.

During a PSL podcast, Salman expressed his desire to expand the league beyond the four cities — Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi — and discussed home-and-away games for the teams.

“I think from our side, as management and even all the other stakeholders, even the franchises, everyone wants our footprint to increase beyond these four cities. Yes. So that desire is there, and we are very seriously considering that this time we have to go to six venues. Okay. PSL 11, by the will of Almighty Allah, will be across six venues,” he said.

“And the home and away concept is also necessary, which is something that we have always talked about, and we always tried to implement: that Karachi plays its home games in Karachi, Lahore plays in Lahore, Multan plays in Multan. Islamabad is having to play in Pindi, but it’s close. Quetta and Peshawar have a little trouble with their home matches,” he added.

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Regarding stadiums, he emphasized Peshawar’s Imran Khan Stadium and stressed the need for upgradation to host the tournament’s matches.

“So, Peshawar’s Imran Khan Stadium is almost ready. Yeah. And there is a slight requirement for an upgrade to bring it to a standard where international cricket and PSL can take place.

I went there as well, and we looked around, and we discussed which things need improvement. And I think they [Peshawar Zalmi] know, we know, a little bit of work is left. The effort is that we will, by the will of Almighty Allah, get it ready for PSL 11,” Naseer revealed.

He mentioned that Faisalabad is another venue where matches are being scheduled for PSL 11. Salman noted that the plan involves introducing two new teams and that the sales process would begin in November due to high interest and expected competition.

“The other venue, and I think people have already gotten an inkling because matches have started being scheduled there in preparation for PSL 11, which is Faisalabad,” he continued.

“The plan is to have two new teams for PSL 11, and the process, which is the sales process, tender process, will begin in November. There is a lot of interest, and we are very keen to explore that interest, and it looks like there will be a lot of competition here as well,” he concluded.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly created a backup plan for the potential termination of the Multan Sultans franchise due to ongoing tensions with the franchise owner, Ali Tareen.

According to sources, the PCB has initiated contact with one to two potential investors who have expressed interest in acquiring the Multan Sultans franchise, should the current ownership situation deteriorate further.

“If matters are not settled with the existing management, the franchise could be sold to a new owner,” insiders revealed.

The board, however, is reported to be moving forward with great deliberation.

Officials have stressed that no action will be taken near the league’s valuation process, as the PCB wants to avoid any disruption that could affect the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) credibility.

Relations between the PCB and the Multan Sultans management have reportedly soured over several issues in recent months.

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The latest flashpoint came when the board issued a legal notice to Ali Tareen for allegedly violating the PSL code of conduct and franchise agreement.

The notice warned of potential termination of the franchise and blacklisting of Tareen from future league involvement.

In response, Tareen released a sarcastic “apology” video on his social media platforms, mocking the PCB’s handling of the situation while publicly tearing up the legal notice.

“I didn’t receive a single call, message, or invitation to resolve this matter,” Tareen said in the video. “Instead, I was served a legal notice. If you were more competent, you’d know these matters aren’t handled this way.”

Although Tareen’s video was framed as an apology, it was filled with biting irony. The video concluded dramatically with Tareen tearing the legal notice in half, stating, “So, I hope you like my apology video.”

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Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has issued a sarcastic video “apology” after receiving a legal notice from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over alleged violations of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise agreement.

The PCB had accused Tareen of breaching several clauses of the 10-year contract and demanded a public apology and retraction of his statements, warning of possible termination of the franchise’s contract and his blacklisting from the league.

In a video shared on his social media accounts, Tareen acknowledged the notice but responded with biting irony, criticising the PCB’s management and communication approach while ostensibly complying with the demand for an apology.

He said the board never attempted to resolve the matter through direct discussion.

 

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“I didn’t receive a single call, message, email, or invitation to meet and sort things out,” Tareen remarked. “Instead, I was served a legal notice. If you were more competent, you’d know these matters aren’t handled this way.”

Ali Tareen accused the PCB’s management of being surrounded by “yes-men” and unable to take criticism.

“The PSL belongs to the fans and to all of Pakistan, not just a handful of people currently running it,” he added.

While stating that his legal team saw no reason to issue an apology, Tareen said he would still offer one “because I want the PSL to improve.”

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His apology, however, was laced with sarcasm as he reiterated earlier grievances about the league’s professionalism and management.

He “apologised” for criticising the PSL’s opening ceremony, mockingly praising the “amazing” lip-syncing performances and noting that expecting the event to “start and finish on time” or have “a working mic” might have been asking “too much.”

Tareen also referenced minor complaints cited in the notice, apologising for being ten minutes late to a Zoom meeting and for his remarks about the league’s logistics, sarcastically highlighting how “half of the team was in one hotel and the other half in another.”

The video concluded with Tareen tearing up the legal notice, marking a dramatic end to his “apology.” “So, I hope you like my apology video,” he said.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a termination notice to Pakistan Super League (PSL) team Multan Sultans, with the contents of the notice now surfacing, sources revealed to ARY News on Thursday.

According to the sources, the franchise faces the risk of termination from the PSL if it fails to provide a satisfactory response to the notice within the given timeframe.

The notice reportedly accuses Multan Sultans of repeatedly violating contractual obligations and damaging the reputation of the PSL.

Serious allegations include claims that the team’s owner encouraged aggressive play, even announcing a $1,000 reward for hitting an opposing player’s helmet with a ball — a video of which is said to be circulating on social media.

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PCB sources stated that Multan Sultans allegedly used delaying tactics in the PSL valuation process, failed to provide input during official meetings, and caused reputational harm to the league through social media activity.

As per the PSL contract, no franchise is allowed to take actions that could harm the league’s image or credibility, the notice reportedly reminds the team.

Meanwhile, sources said the valuation process of the PSL, which saw a record 3.4 billion views during Season 10, is expected to be completed within the current week.

The bidding and inclusion process for new teams is also likely to be finalized by December, with two additional franchises expected to join PSL Season 11.

Meanwhile, Multan Sultans, in its defence, described the PCB’s actions as an attempt to silence constructive criticism.

“Every statement he has made has been in the best interest of the PSL, urging the league to aim higher and do better,” the team said in a statement, calling the notice “outrageous” and reflective of “pettiness within the current management.”

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The next edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) may be rescheduled from its traditional December–January window to May 2026, setting up a potential clash with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Indian Premier League (IPL).

The development comes in light of Bangladesh’s upcoming general elections, with BPL chairman Mahbub Anam confirming on Thursday that alternative windows are being considered.

“BPL slot may change due to the elections,” Mahbub said while speaking to local media.

“It could be held before December, or another slot is being planned. We will take the next steps depending on the government’s decision. In this regard, May is another option.”

The tentative move follows an emergency board meeting held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, a day after Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus directed authorities to complete all election preparations by the end of this year. General elections in Bangladesh are expected in early 2026.

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If finalised, the new BPL window would place the tournament directly in competition with the IPL 2026 and the 11th edition of the PSL.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026, set to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February, has also played a role in shifting BPL’s potential schedule.

Mahbub Anam, who recently replaced Faruque Ahmed as BPL chairman, also acknowledged the need to elevate the league’s brand image and rectify past issues.

“BPL needs to set up its own standard. In the past, there were some mistakes, and the BCB has to take responsibility. We’ll try to increase the brand value of the BPL,” he stated.

He further revealed that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is actively exploring the possibility of expanding the tournament’s venue list beyond Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet.

“We will try to increase the number of venues. New ones will be added if they meet ICC standards and can offer proper accommodation for players,” Mahbub added.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) stakeholders praised the marquee league’s progress over the past decade in a post-meeting feedback with the management.

A day earlier, PSL management shared insights and data on the league’s growth over the years.

The meeting was headed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), in which representatives of franchises, the title sponsor, media rights partners, and commercial partners participated.

“Ali Imran, Rao Umar Hashim Khan, and Ayaz Imam from Walee Technologies, Trans Group, and A Sports, respectively, took part in the stakeholders meeting and shared their views with the PCB Digital,” the PCB stated in a statement.

The Senior Vice President of A Sports, Ayaz Imam, referred to the marquee league as the biggest tournament in Pakistan.

“HBL PSL is the biggest tournament in Pakistan at the moment, and thanks to the Almighty, the success in 10 years has been tremendous, and I feel it will keep on excelling in the future. As the broadcaster of this tournament, we take pride. Our ratings go higher and higher every time the PSL comes around,” he said.

Ali Imran, Senior Vice President of Walee Technologies, also hailed the record-breaking PSL X, emphasizing the streaming records.

“I think HBL PSL X was just amazing. Walee partnered with biggest live-streaming and digital platforms in Pakistan including Begin, Daraz, Myco, Tamasha and Tapmad. This is the first time 57.4 million fans from Pakistan streamed the PSL matches and there were over 3.4 billionm views across these platforms.

“The way the PSL team works is amazing and they have been a great support for Walee Technologies in bringing the HBL PSL closer to the fans. I urge the fans to get ready to witness the biggest PSL event next year as we plan to bring more digital innovations to fore,” he said.

Rao Umar Hashim Khan, Group Director, Trans Group, extended his best wishes for the tournament’s future success.

“Being the pioneer partner, I have the best wishes for the HBL PSL and I feel it is going to become the biggest cricketing event in the world. PSL is growing every season and we are hopeful that we’ll showcase lots of good cricket in times to come, ” he said.

“It has been an honour for Trans Group to be part of the HBL PSL for the entirety of the 10 seasons. It is such a joy to be a part of the PSL and everywhere we go it feels amazing to represent Pakistan’s mega event,” Hashim Khan added.”

The Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of HBL, Ali Habib, highlighted the tournament’s progress and hailed it as the nation’s biggest sporting event.

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“Everyone should reflect on the remarkable consistency of the HBL PSL for the last 10 years. At the start of every year the fans get excited about a new HBL PSL season, which in turn has made it as one of the biggest sporting brands.

“We should all pat our back for this wonderful achievement. Over the last 10 years we have shown to the world that we have the capacity, capability and organizational skills to pull off a vast six-week tournament across Pakistan involving over 60 overseas players,” he concluded.

For the unversed, the inaugural season of Pakistan’s first franchise-based league, PSL, kicked off in 2016 with a glitzy opening ceremony held at the Dubai Sports City Stadium.

Initially, five teams participated in the tournament: Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Lahore Qalandars, and Karachi Kings. However, in 2018, another team, Multan Sultans, was added to the competition, making the league a six-team tournament.

The 10th edition of the tournament, named PSL X, ran from April 11 to May 25 and featured a total of 34 matches, marking the most successful edition in the tournament’s history.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) management shared insights into its decade-long progress, headed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer, here on Wednesday at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

The inaugural season of Pakistan’s first franchise-based league, PSL, kicked off in 2016 with a glitzy opening ceremony held at the Dubai Sports City Stadium.

Initially, five teams participated in the tournament: Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Lahore Qalandars, and Karachi Kings. However, in 2018, another team, Multan Sultans, was added to the competition, making the league a six-team tournament.

The 10th edition of the tournament, named PSL X, ran from April 11 to May 25 and featured a total of 34 matches, marking the most successful edition in the tournament’s history.

The Cricket Board has also shared the salient features of PSL X during the meeting.

“An impressive 647.25% increase in live streaming from PSL 9 to PSL X, highlighting the growing popularity of the league. In total, fans in Pakistan watched 48.5 billion cumulative minutes across live streaming platforms,” PCB stated.

“The PSL Playoffs and Final garnered 511 million views within the country, showcasing strong viewer engagement. Notably, 53% of the audience came from urban areas, while 47% were from rural regions,” it added.

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Moreover, the statement noted that PSL X also garnered a massive social media following through the tournament’s online content.

“The league has also amassed a substantial social media following, with 22 million fans engaging with PSL content online,” the cricket governing body said.

During the meeting, the management of the Marquee League demonstrated data and analytics regarding the PSL’s progress over the years. The workshop also reflected on the statistical analysis between the ninth and tenth editions of the league.

Speaking on occasion, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi praised PSL standards while calling the tournament a symbol of determination.

“The Pakistan Super League has not only grown into a premier cricketing brand but has also served as a symbol of resilience, hope, and unity during challenging times, he said.

“As we look to the future, the PCB remains committed to strengthening and evolving the league further. We envision an even more competitive, inclusive and globally engaging tournament that continues to bring joy to cricket fans and honour to Pakistan,” Mohsin Naqvi added.

PCB’s CEO, Salman Naseer, lauded PSL X’s digital engagement, emphasizing the significant increase in live streaming during the tournament.

“The substantial growth in digital engagement, particularly the 647 per cent surge in live streaming, is a testament to the league’s increasing popularity among cricket fans, ” he said.

“PSL is not just a tournament, it’s a movement that unites fans across the globe. As we look ahead towards the next decade, we cannot wait to unravel new stories and thrilling experiences for the fans. Exciting times ahead!” Salman Naseer concluded.

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Cricket Australia (CA) and the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) have released statements regarding the players’ safety amid growing tensions between Pakistan and India.

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) expressed concern over the security of their players participating in the India Premier League (IPL).

“The health and safety of players is not negotiable. We are in direct contact with all the South African players at the IPL and keeping them updated with security reports.”

“We have offered them any support they need,” Andrew Breetzke, the chief executive of the South African Cricketers’ Association, said.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Cricket Australia announced that it is closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan and India and highlighting the communication between stakeholders in both countries.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation in Pakistan and India, including obtaining regular advice and updates from the Australian Government, the PCB, BCCI and local government authorities, and maintaining communication with our players and support staff currently in the region,” CA said in a statement on Friday.

It is pertinent to mention that, amid the growing tensions,  the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with immediate effect, due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.

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The major development comes just a day after the match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamsala was abruptly abandoned midway through the first innings.

One of the floodlights at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium was switched off, and fans were asked to evacuate the venue, triggering an alarm across the cricketing world.

With flight operations suspended in Dharamsala and nearby regions, players and support staff from both franchises were transported to Delhi on Friday morning via a special train arranged by the IPL.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday also decided to relocate the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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