New Long-Term Agreement Nears Completion
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is close to finalising a new 10-year agreement with Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, marking a significant milestone in the league’s commercial and structural development.
According to official sources, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has instructed his team to complete the deal as soon as possible, signalling that the preparations have now entered their final stages.
The existing contracts with the six PSL franchises are due to expire in December 2025, and discussions over renewal terms have been ongoing for several months. The new framework aims to reflect the league’s current market value and enhance its long-term profitability.
Valuation Report Presented to PCB Leadership
During a high-level meeting in Lahore, representatives of a chartered valuation firm briefed Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the PSL’s latest valuation report. The session was attended by Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer and Chief Operating Officer Sameer Syed.
The firm presented detailed financial assessments and projected growth figures for the PSL, which has become one of the most-watched T20 leagues in Asia since its inception in 2016.
Sources said Naqvi raised several questions regarding the report’s findings and instructed the firm to consult all franchise owners individually before finalising the document. This step is aimed at ensuring transparency and incorporating every franchise’s perspective.
Franchise Value and League Expansion on the Table
Naqvi reportedly emphasized that the new contract will be based on the valuation report, which will determine each franchise’s updated market value. The PCB is also considering expanding the league from six to eight teams, potentially from the next season onward.
If approved, this would mark the first expansion since Multan Sultans joined the league in 2018. The inclusion of two new teams could further strengthen PSL’s commercial appeal and regional representation.
Financial Transparency and Growth Goals
The PCB has stated that only financially and operationally compliant franchises will qualify for the renewed agreements. The board’s broader objective is to make the PSL more transparent, sustainable, and profitable.
The Pakistan Super League, now approaching its 10th season, has grown into one of Pakistan’s most valuable sporting brands. It not only generates significant revenue but also serves as a key talent pipeline for the national cricket team, producing stars such as Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Rizwan.
Looking Ahead
With the new deal, the PCB hopes to strengthen its financial model and attract greater investment, both locally and internationally. Officials believe that improved governance, better franchise valuation, and expansion could elevate PSL’s standing alongside leading global leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Big Bash League (BBL).
Negotiations are expected to conclude before the end of the year, setting the stage for a new decade of Pakistan Super League cricket.
