Islamabad: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) management has confirmed the names of two new PSL franchises for the league’s 11th edition, sources said on Tuesday. The new teams will represent Gilgit and Faisalabad, marking a significant expansion of the tournament. According to officials, bids from Rawalpindi, Muzaffarabad and Hyderabad did not succeed, leaving these cities out of the race for new teams.
Ownership issues continue for Multan Sultans
Meanwhile, the Multan Sultans franchise remains in limbo as PSL management has yet to resolve ownership matters. Sources indicated that PSL management could put the franchise up for bidding again to attract new owners before the upcoming season.
Multan Sultan’s response
The Multan Sultans expressed their strong dissatisfaction with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) actions against franchise owner Ali Tareen, calling the board’s approach “short-sighted.” Furthermore, in an official statement, the team said that the PCB had demanded Tareen “withdraw all recent critical remarks and issue a public apology to the PSL management.”
The franchise highlighted Tareen’s contributions, noting that since taking over the Sultans, he has invested billions of rupees and personally absorbed losses exceeding PKR 7 billion, while also establishing academies and creating opportunities for young cricketers throughout Pakistan.
It added that Tareen’s statements have always been aimed at improving the PSL, encouraging the league to set higher standards and achieve greater success.
PSL expansion highlights growing league
The addition of two teams reflects the league’s ongoing growth and its efforts to broaden cricket’s reach across Pakistan. League officials said the new franchises will participate fully in the 11th edition, with preparations already underway for the tournament.
