🏏 PCB Completes PSL Valuation as Six Cities Shortlisted for Two New Teams
⭐ A Historic Moment for the Pakistan Super League
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has reached another milestone as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally completes its latest franchise valuation cycle — a crucial step that sets the foundation for the league’s expansion to eight teams. With the independent valuation report now finalized by EY MENA (Ernst & Young Middle East and North Africa), the PCB has taken a major leap toward adding two new franchises to the world-renowned league.
This development is not just administrative; it marks a transformation in how Pakistan cricket positions itself commercially, structurally, and globally. The decision to expand the PSL has been discussed for years, but with the valuation process now complete, the path toward an enhanced, eight-team tournament is finally clear.
In this-optimized blog, we explore:
- The updated PSL franchise valuations
- Why PCB chose an independent assessor
- How expansion impacts existing teams
- Which six cities are shortlisted and why
- PSL’s growing commercial ecosystem
- What the two new teams mean for fans
- Economic and cricketing benefits
- Future scheduling, format, and brand implications
- Expert analysis, projections, and Cricketory insights
This is a complete, in-depth breakdown written for cricket fans, investors, analysts, and media.
⭐ Why PSL Needed a Fresh Valuation Cycle
Every major franchise league undergoes periodic re-evaluations to adjust franchise fees, commercial structures, and long-term sustainability plans. The PSL’s previous valuation cycle was outdated due to:
- Rapid brand growth
- Increased sponsorship revenue
- Higher broadcast rights value
- Expanded global audience
- Improved domestic infrastructure
- Return of full cricket in Pakistan
Without a fresh evaluation, franchise fees would no longer reflect PSL’s true market worth. By assigning EY MENA — a respected global firm — the PCB ensured:
✔️ Transparency
✔️ Investor confidence
✔️ Fairness
✔️ Accurate market-based pricing
This is critical because franchise owners must feel the process is completely independent, unbiased, and based on modern financial standards.
⭐ Renewal Offer Letters Sent to Existing Franchises
Once the valuation was completed, PCB issued renewal offer letters to all compliant PSL franchises. Each letter includes:
- Revised franchise fee for the next 10-year cycle
- Terms and conditions for renewal
- Valuation justification
- Deadline for acceptance
Franchises now have the option to renew under the new financial model, which reflects PSL’s growth from 2016 to 2024.
This renewal is not simply administrative — it is a recommitment to the league’s future. A stronger, unified franchise group improves league governance, stability, and global appeal.
⭐ Transparency: PCB Arranges Meetings With EY MENA
To avoid confusion or suspicion regarding the valuation model, PCB arranged:
- Joint meetings with all franchises
- Individual meetings for franchise-specific queries
This allows teams to:
✔ Understand the methodology
✔ Challenge inconsistencies
✔ Ask technical questions
✔ Review financial breakdowns
✔ Evaluate future revenue opportunities
This step showcases PCB’s maturity as a modern sports organization. Transparency builds trust — and trust keeps investors committed for the long haul.
⭐ Two New PSL Teams: A Major Step Toward Expansion
After months of discussion and anticipation, PCB has officially received valuation reports for two new PSL teams. This clears the way for an official bidding and tender process.
This is not a small change. Adding new teams:
- Expands revenue
- Increases viewership
- Creates more domestic cricket opportunities
- Improves competitive balance
- Increases brand presence across Pakistan
- Boosts stadium utilization
The PSL has long been expected to move from six to eight teams, and now the infrastructure and economic conditions finally support that transition.
⭐ Six Cities Shortlisted for the Two New PSL Franchises
The PCB has shortlisted the following cities:
- Hyderabad
- Sialkot
- Muzaffarabad
- Faisalabad
- Gilgit
- Rawalpindi
🔍 Cricketory Insight: Why These Six Cities?
Let’s analyze each:
✔️ Hyderabad
- Passionate fan base
- Strong domestic presence
- Large commercial markets
✔️ Sialkot
- Global sports manufacturing hub
- Massive cricket culture
- Ready-to-invest commercial groups
✔️ Muzaffarabad
- Huge PSL streaming audience
- Fast-growing cricket region
- Emotional fan appeal
✔️ Faisalabad
- Former home of ICL’s most competitive teams
- Excellent local cricket talent
- Industrial capital with investment interest
✔️ Gilgit
- Emerging northern market
- Tourism-driven brand potential
- A unique identity for PSL
✔️ Rawalpindi
- Regular PSL venue
- Large fan population
- Strong corporate backing
These six cities were not chosen randomly; they represent the most commercially viable and strategically important cricket hubs for the next PSL decade.
⭐ The Tender Process: How New Owners Will Be Chosen
According to PSL CEO Salman Naseer, bidding parties will:
- Be given a pool of shortlisted city names
- Select the city identity they prefer
- Submit financial bids
- Undergo evaluation on compliance, financial strength, and long-term commitment
The highest bidders win — but only if they meet PCB’s financial and structural criteria.
This ensures:
✔ Sustainable ownership
✔ Professional management
✔ Quality investment
✔ Long-term stability
⭐ Why PSL Expansion Matters: Economic & Cricketing Impact
✔️ More Players, More Opportunities
With two new teams:
- 30–40 local players enter PSL annually
- More emerging players get visibility
- Domestic performers earn better contracts
- Competition for national selection increases
✔️ Broader Fan Engagement
New cities mean:
- New rivalries
- New home grounds
- Expanded fan loyalty
- Larger social media presence
✔️ Higher Commercial Revenue
Expansion boosts:
- Sponsorships
- Broadcasting rights
- Digital revenue
- Ticket sales
- Merchandise income
✔️ Strengthening Pakistan Cricket
More PSL teams = more investment into:
- Youth development
- High-performance centers
- Talent scouting
- Stadium upgrades
This is how countries build long-term cricketing excellence.
⭐ Existing Franchises: Will Expansion Hurt or Help Them?
Expansion is always a sensitive topic for existing owners. But in PSL’s case, it is overwhelmingly beneficial.
✔️ Advantages for Current Franchises
- Larger league = larger sponsorship pool
- New markets = more eyeballs
- More matches = higher revenue
- Stronger TV rights value
- Bigger commercial partnerships
No existing franchise will lose identity or value; if anything, their brand equity increases.
⭐ The PSL Ecosystem: Growing Faster Than Ever
PSL has evolved into a global T20 powerhouse:
- Consistently top 3 in global viewership
- Massive digital streaming numbers
- High-quality international players
- Competitive cricketing standards
- Strong brand loyalty
Adding new teams will only accelerate this growth.
⭐ Expected Impact on PSL Format & Schedule
With eight teams, the league could shift to:
Option A: Double Round-Robin + Playoffs
- Home and away system
- 56 league matches
Option B: Two groups split into four teams each
- Shorter format
- Cross-group knockout
Whichever format PCB adopts, fans will enjoy more games, more venues, and more competitive cricket.
⭐ Challenges PCB Must Navigate
Expansion is exciting — but also demanding.
Key challenges include:
- Ensuring stadium readiness
- Managing player workload
- Scheduling around international commitments
- Avoiding fixture congestion
- Ensuring quality balance across teams
However, with better management and planning, these challenges are solvable.
⭐ Fan Reactions: Massive Anticipation Across Pakistan
Social media is already buzzing with:
- City rivalry debates
- Logo prediction designs
- Squad wishlist discussions
- Corporate interest
- Naming suggestions
Fans want:
- Strong branding
- International star players
- Modern identities
- High-quality home venues
The hype is real — and PSL is ready to capitalize on it.
⭐ Cricketory Analysis: Which Cities Are Most Likely to Win?
Based on commercial viability, investor interest, and infrastructure readiness, these cities appear strongest:
🥇 Rawalpindi
Already a PSL host; biggest favorite.
🥈 Faisalabad
Large market, strong cricket culture.
🥉 Sialkot
Industrial hub with investor backing.
However, surprises are always possible — Muzaffarabad or Gilgit could win bids due to brand uniqueness.
⭐ Conclusion: PSL Enters a New Era
The PCB’s completion of the valuation process marks the beginning of a new, exciting chapter in PSL history. With two new teams set to join the league, fans can expect:
- Bigger competition
- Expanded coverage
- Stronger teams
- Better talent development
- More cricketing opportunities
This expansion will reshape PSL commercially, culturally, and competitively.
Pakistan cricket is entering a powerful new decade — and PSL’s growth is at the heart of it.
❓ Top 10 FAQs (With Answers)
Q1. Why did PCB conduct a new PSL valuation?
A: PCB completed a fresh valuation to update franchise fees, ensure transparency, attract new investors, and prepare the financial model for expanding PSL from 6 to 8 teams.
Q2. How many new teams will join the PSL?
A: Two new teams will join the league, expanding PSL from six to eight franchises beginning in the next cycle.
Q3. Which cities are shortlisted for the new PSL teams?
A: The six shortlisted cities are: Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, Faisalabad, Gilgit, and Rawalpindi.
Q4. Who conducted the valuation for PSL?
A: The valuation was independently carried out by EY MENA (Ernst & Young Middle East & North Africa).
Q5. Will existing PSL franchises have to pay new fees?
A: Yes. PCB has issued revised fee structures for the next 10-year cycle, and compliant franchises must respond before the deadline.
Q6. When will the bidding process for new teams begin?
A: The tender and bidding process will begin soon, now that PCB has completed valuation reports for the new teams.
Q7. How will new teams improve PSL?
A: Expansion will increase matches, grow fanbases, generate more commercial revenue, create new rivalries, and open doors for more local and emerging players.
Q8. Which cities are most likely to win the bids?
A: Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Sialkot are seen as strong contenders due to commercial strength, investor interest, and cricket infrastructure.
Q9. Will PSL change its format after expansion?
A: Most likely yes. With eight teams, PSL could shift to a double round-robin or two-group format to manage scheduling.
Q10. How will players benefit from two new PSL teams?
A: Expansion creates 30–40 new player slots each season, providing opportunities to domestic, emerging, and uncapped players.