The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has established itself as one of the top franchise-based T20 leagues in the world. Since its inception in 2016, the tournament has not only revived international cricket in Pakistan but also grown into a commercially lucrative and highly competitive league.
Now, PSL officials are looking ahead to 2026, with plans to expand the tournament from six to eight teams. According to PSL CEO Salman Naseer, this expansion aligns with the league’s increasing commercial appeal, sponsorship growth, and rising popularity among fans.
In addition to team expansion, the PSL 2026 season will introduce new host cities, including Peshawar, and embrace innovative changes such as a nationwide trophy tour.
PSL’s Journey from Inception to Expansion
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) was initially launched in 2016 as a five-team tournament, hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to security concerns in Pakistan. However, the league gradually moved back to Pakistan, with all matches now being played within the country.
The PSL has gone through various phases of development:
- 2016-2017: Tournament hosted in the UAE, gaining initial popularity.
- 2018-2019: Some matches brought back to Pakistan.
- 2020-Present: Entire league held in Pakistan, boosting domestic cricket and fan engagement.
With an ever-growing fanbase, competitive teams, and financial backing, the PSL is now preparing for its next major expansion phase.
Expansion Plans – More Teams and New Cities
PSL to Introduce Two New Teams After 2025
PSL CEO Salman Naseer recently revealed that the league is aiming to increase the number of teams from six to eight after the 2025 season.
“By the end of this year, we might get two more teams,” Salman Naseer told media representatives.
The proposed expansion will introduce two new franchises, creating more opportunities for local talent, enhancing the league’s competitiveness, and boosting revenue generation through sponsorship and media rights.
New Cities to Be Included in PSL 2026
Another significant development is the inclusion of Peshawar as a host city. While Peshawar will initially stage exhibition games, it is expected to host full PSL matches in the future.
The nationwide trophy tour will also expand PSL’s reach to non-host cities, increasing fan engagement and promoting the brand value of PSL across Pakistan.
Commercial Growth and Media Rights Auction
Media and Sponsorship Rights Up for Sale
The expansion of PSL coincides with a crucial commercial phase—the auction of media and sponsorship rights.
The 2026 PSL season will be a significant test for its commercial viability, particularly as it now faces competition from other global T20 leagues, including:
- SA20 (South Africa’s T20 League)
- International League T20 (UAE’s T20 League)
The valuation of PSL’s broadcasting and sponsorship rights after the 2025 season will play a major role in determining the league’s financial future.
“Some of our rights are up for valuation after this PSL. A lot will depend on the data we gather,” Salman Naseer added.
The Unveiling of PSL 10’s Trophy – ‘Luminara’
A Symbol of PSL’s Decade-Long Journey
In a grand ceremony held in Karachi’s Arabian Sea, PSL unveiled its 10th edition trophy, named ‘Luminara’.
The name Luminara is derived from Latin words ‘luminare’ (torch) and ‘lumens’ (light), symbolizing the league’s decade-long journey of excellence.
The Craftsmanship Behind Luminara
The Luminara trophy is an exceptionally designed masterpiece, featuring:
- Made from a single sheet of solid silver
- Weighs 10 kilograms
- Embedded with 22,850 high-luster zircon stones
- Symbolizes the talent, energy, and competitive excellence of PSL
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the trophy reflects the league’s vision for the future and its commitment to innovation.
The Unique Underwater Trophy Unveiling Ceremony
The Luminara trophy was unveiled in a one-of-a-kind underwater ceremony. With support from the Pakistan Navy, a professional diver retrieved a treasure chest from the deep sea and handed over the trophy to PSL stakeholders in Karachi.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi praised the unique unveiling:
“As we celebrate 10 years of PSL, this trophy represents its shining future.”
PSL CEO Salman Naseer emphasized the league’s innovative spirit:
“Just as the sea holds depth and mystery, PSL has been a reservoir of talent and sportsmanship.”
PSL 10 Schedule and Opening Match
The 10th edition of PSL will be held from April 11 to May 18, 2025, with matches played in:
- Karachi
- Lahore
- Multan
- Rawalpindi
The defending champions, Islamabad United, will face Lahore Qalandars in the opening match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
With six teams battling for the title and new records expected to be set, PSL 10 promises to be a spectacular cricketing event.
FAQs
1. Why is PSL planning to expand to eight teams?
PSL aims to increase commercial value, enhance competitiveness, and provide more opportunities for local players. With growing popularity and financial backing, expanding to eight teams is the logical next step.
2. Which new cities will be included in PSL 2026?
Peshawar is set to host its first exhibition game in 2026, with plans to become a regular PSL venue in the future. The nationwide trophy tour will also bring PSL excitement to other non-host cities.
3. What is special about the PSL 10 trophy ‘Luminara’?
The Luminara trophy is a solid silver masterpiece, embedded with 22,850 zircon stones. It symbolizes PSL’s decade-long journey of excellence and was unveiled in a unique underwater ceremony.
4. When will PSL 10 take place, and where will matches be held?
PSL 10 will be held from April 11 to May 18, 2025, with matches in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.
5. How will PSL compete with other T20 leagues like SA20 and ILT20?
The PSL will rely on its post-season data, sponsorship growth, and media rights valuation to maintain its commercial value and global standing in the competitive T20 market.
Conclusion
With its ambitious expansion plans, PSL is set to become even bigger and better after 2025. The addition of two new teams, inclusion of Peshawar as a host city, and nationwide trophy tour will elevate the league’s status further.
As media rights go up for sale and the league competes with global T20 tournaments, PSL officials remain confident about its commercial viability and growing fanbase.
The 10th edition of PSL, featuring the Luminara trophy, will mark a significant milestone in the league’s history, reaffirming its place among the world’s top cricket leagues.
