The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is planning to expand from six to eight teams after the 2025 season, PSL CEO Salman Naseer revealed on Thursday. The move aims to enhance the league’s commercial appeal and bring top-tier cricket to new cities.
Since its inception in 2016, the PSL has grown significantly, transitioning from its initial UAE-based tournaments to a fully Pakistan-hosted event. With media and sponsorship rights up for sale, the league sees expansion as a crucial step in its development.
“By the end of this year, we might get two more teams,” Naseer said, highlighting the PSL’s journey from reviving cricket in Pakistan to now expanding beyond its traditional venues—Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan.
As part of its outreach, PSL 2026 will see Peshawar host its first exhibition game, laying the groundwork for full-fledged PSL matches in the city. Additionally, the PSL trophy will embark on its first nationwide tour, engaging fans in non-host cities.
The league’s January-February window now competes with South Africa’s SA20 and the UAE’s ILT20, making post-season data crucial for evaluating PSL’s market value.
“This year will be an interesting test, and with more teams, we anticipate a bigger window,” Naseer stated, adding that future media rights valuations will shape PSL’s growth trajectory.
The 2025 season is set to begin on April 11, with Islamabad United entering as the most successful franchise, having won three titles.
