HBL PSL to add two more teams, new host cities next season

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is looking to expand its team roster from six to eight after the 2025 season, PSL CEO Salman Naseer revealed on Thursday.

First launched in 2016 in the UAE due to security concerns, the league has since moved to Pakistan, with a focus on increasing its commercial appeal and competitive stature.

The 2026 edition of the PSL will see new cities, including Peshawar, hosting its first exhibition game, marking a step toward future full-scale PSL matches.

In a bid to further broaden its reach, the PSL’s trophy will embark on its first nationwide tour, bringing the event to non-host cities across the country.

“We might get two more teams by the end of this year,” Naseer said, discussing the expansion. “We started at a time when no cricket was happening in Pakistan. The challenge was to bring it back. Now, we’ve successfully revived cricket in traditional centres, and the next step is to grow beyond these four cities, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan.”

With the January-February window now facing competition from the SA20 and UAE’s International League T20, the PSL’s value will be determined by post-season data as broadcasting rights come up for sale.

Naseer noted that this season would be a test and expected a larger window with the addition of more teams. “The valuation of some of our rights will depend on the data we gather,” he added.

The 2025 edition of the PSL is set to begin on April 11, with Islamabad United holding the record for the most titles, having won three.