HBL PSL New Teams Auction to take place on Thursday in Islamabad
Islamabad, 7 January 2026 — The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to mark one of the most significant milestones in its history as the auction for two new franchise teams takes place on Thursday, 8 January 2026, at the prestigious Jinnah Convention Centre.
This landmark auction will officially expand the PSL from six to eight teams, ushering the league into a new commercial, competitive, and geographic phase ahead of its 11th season, scheduled from 26 March to 3 May 2026.
Auction Schedule, Broadcast & Digital Coverage
The ceremony will begin at 4:15 PM, with comprehensive live coverage arranged to ensure nationwide and international viewership.
Live Streaming Platforms
- HBL PSL Official YouTube Channel
- PCB Official YouTube Channel
- Tapmad
- Tamasha
- Myco
- PCB Live (UK Region)
Television Broadcast Partners
- A Sports
- Fast Sports
- Geo Sports
- PTV Sports
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced #NewEra as the event’s designated hashtag, requesting all media outlets to prominently feature it across headlines, tickers, bulletins, and digital coverage.
A Star-Studded Ceremony with National Recognition
Adding cultural prestige to the evening, renowned singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will perform after the conclusion of the bidding process, turning the auction into a celebratory national spectacle.
Before bidding begins, the PCB will honour Pakistan’s recent cricketing achievements, including:
- The Pakistan Shaheens, winners of the Men’s Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 in Doha
- The victorious Hong Kong Super Sixes squad
This recognition highlights the PCB’s commitment to celebrating performance excellence alongside commercial growth.
PSL Expansion: From Six to Eight Teams
The 2026 season represents a turning point for the league. With expansion confirmed, PSL will now feature eight franchises, further strengthening:
- Competitive depth
- Fan engagement
- Regional representation
- Commercial value
This move positions PSL alongside the world’s leading T20 leagues in terms of scale, market reach, and investment confidence.
Ten Qualified Bidders Competing for Two Franchises
Following a rigorous technical evaluation, 10 bidders have been approved to participate in the open auction. These bidders represent a diverse mix of local and international business sectors, including energy, telecom, agrobusiness, real estate, fintech, software, and digital media.
Official List of Qualified Bidders
- Aim Next Inc — Mr. Umar Mushtaq & Mr. Ali Mushtaq
- Deharki Sugar Mills — Mr. Makhdoom Syed Ali Mahmud
- FKS — Mr. Fawad Sarwar
- Inverex Solar Energy — Mr. Muhammad Zakir Ali
- i2c — Mr. Amir Wain
- Jazz — Mr. Amir Ibrahim
- OZ Developers — Mr. Hamza Majeed
- Prism Developers — CEO Mr. Masood Alvi
- VGO TEL — Mr. Naveed Gaba
- Walee Technologies — Mr. Ahsan Tahir
Earlier, 12 parties had submitted bids following highly successful PSL roadshows in London (7 December 2025) and New York (13 December 2025). After technical scrutiny, these 10 bidders advanced to the final auction stage.
Cities Shortlisted for New PSL Franchises
The PCB has pre-approved a pool of cities from which the two new franchise owners will select their home bases:
- Faisalabad
- Gilgit
- Hyderabad
- Muzaffarabad
- Rawalpindi
- Sialkot
This approach aims to broaden PSL’s regional footprint, promote cricket in emerging markets, and bring elite T20 action closer to fans across Pakistan.
Joining Pakistan’s Championship Legacy
The two new franchises will join an already illustrious PSL lineup that includes:
- Lahore Qalandars — Champions 2022, 2023, 2025
- Islamabad United — Champions 2016, 2018, 2024
- Peshawar Zalmi — Champions 2017
- Quetta Gladiators — Champions 2019
- Karachi Kings — Champions 2020
- Multan Sultans — Champions 2021
The expansion is expected to intensify competition, attract global talent, and further elevate PSL’s standing in world cricket.
Why This Auction Matters
The HBL PSL expansion auction is more than a commercial transaction — it represents:
- Growing international investor confidence
- Pakistan cricket’s economic resilience
- Increased employment and sponsorship opportunities
- Stronger global brand positioning
With live global coverage, star performances, and high-profile bidders, 8 January 2026 is set to become a defining date in PSL history.
Final Word
As the countdown begins, cricket fans, investors, and broadcasters alike are watching closely. The HBL PSL New Teams Auction signals the arrival of a bold new era — one that promises bigger competition, broader reach, and an even stronger future for Pakistan’s premier T20 league.
