The Pakistan Super League's (PSL) plan to add two new franchises for its 2026 edition has attracted a wave of global interest, with a dozen bids submitted from investors across five continents. However, sources have revealed significant financial caution among bidders regarding the high projected cost.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced it had received an "exceptional and encouraging response" to its tender. The bidder pool spans the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Pakistan, reflecting the league's commercial growth.
Insider Sources Flag Financial Hurdles
Despite the strong response, sources close to the process told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) that most bidders are "skittish on the big price." The next phase, following official scrutiny, will be announced on December 27, with a final auction set for January 8 in Islamabad.
Around 12 bids were received which is an exceptional and encouraging response to the tender issued for the sale of two new franchises of the Pakistan Super League (PSL)
Yet, the financial reality is daunting. Sources indicated to Telecom Asia Sport that the final price could soar "over 5 million dollars" per team under current economic valuations, a major point of deliberation for investors.
US Consortium Eyes Hyderabad, Franchise Values Soar
Among the specific bids is one from "a prominent businessman from USA Aamir Wain," who, sources told Telecom Asia Sport, has "registered a bid under a consortium and is interest in buying the Hyderabad team."
The expansion bid coincides with a dramatic reassessment of existing franchise values. A PCB valuation showed Lahore Qalandars now command the highest annual fee at $2.37 million for the next decade, with Karachi Kings valued at $2.27 million. Multan Sultans, the most expensive franchise in 2018, is now estimated at $3 million.
These figures, sources explained, are based on a new valuation model and a stark currency shift, with the US dollar to Pakistani rupee conversion now at 280, compared to 160 when teams were first sold in 2015.
Success Hinges on Star Power, Says Bidder
The league's ability to justify these valuations and ensure a return for new investors was underlined by a bidder from the UAE.
If top class players are attracted in the PSL 2026 then only the League will be successful and give the right kind of value to the franchises.
As the January auction approaches, the PSL's expansion represents a critical juncture, balancing proven global appeal against the financial expectations of a new era.
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