PSL Archives - FutureSoch

Walee Tech acquires Multan for Rs2.45b, renames team Rawalpindi

February 9, 2026 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: Walee Tech has acquired the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan for Rs2.45 billion, making it the most expensive franchise in the league’s history, and announced that the team will now be renamed Rawalpindi.

The auction ceremony for the Multan Sultans franchise was held in Lahore, where five bidders participated. The base price for the franchise was set at Rs1.82 billion.

After a competitive bidding process, Walee Tech secured ownership rights for a period of 10 years at a record price of Rs2.45 billion.

Following the completion of the auction, Wilee Tech’s management formally announced the change of the team’s name from Multan to Rawalpindi.

Addressing a press conference, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi congratulated Walee Tech on the successful acquisition and thanked former PCB chairman Najam Sethi for establishing the Multan Sultan franchise. He also appreciated all bidders for their participation in the transparent auction process.

Mohsin Naqvi said the sale was the result of months of hard work and strategic planning aimed at maximizing the franchise’s value.

He revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed happiness over the successful outcome, adding that some critics had earlier claimed the team would not even reach a valuation of Rs1 billion.

“The increase in the franchise value reflects the vision behind the PSL,” Naqvi said, adding that the league aims to grow beyond Pakistan and establish itself as a major global cricket event with top international players.

However, the PCB chairman also expressed personal sadness over the name change, stating that Multan Sultans had become a strong and historic brand over the years.

He acknowledged the efforts of PSL CEO Salman Naseer in building the franchise and said the matter of branding would be considered carefully in the future.

PSL sets new record with 149% surge in international media rights value

February 3, 2026 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has created fresh history after witnessing a landmark surge in the value of its international media rights, recording a massive 149 percent increase compared to last year.

A Pakistani company has acquired the international media rights for the HBL Pakistan Super League at a record-breaking price, setting a new benchmark for the league’s commercial growth.

The winning bid surpassed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) reserve price, underlining the tournament’s rising global appeal.

The sharp increase in valuation highlights the PSL’s expanding popularity and strengthening brand value on the international stage.

PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer said the league is steadily cementing its position among the world’s leading T20 competitions.

He added that the significant jump in international media rights reflects strong global confidence in the HBL PSL, driven by competitive, high-quality cricket that continues to attract fans worldwide.

Salman Naseer further noted that the new agreement boosts confidence in the league’s long-term business growth and positions the PSL for even greater international recognition in the years ahead.

Peshawar Zalmi to retain Babar Azam, Saim Ayub released

February 3, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: In the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Peshawar Zalmi has decided to retain captain Babar Azam for the upcoming season, sources confirmed.

According to insiders, the franchise has chosen to release Saim Ayub, who, along with Babar Azam, was listed in Peshawar Zalmi’s Platinum category. PSL rules allow franchises to retain only one player per category, making this a strategic decision.

Sources added that Saim Ayub will now be available for selection by other franchises in the PSL players’ draft.

Franchises are expected to finalize their retention decisions today, determining which players will remain with their teams for PSL 11.

Ahead of the 11th season of the PSL 11, franchises have announced their player retentions as the league introduces a major change in the player selection process.

For the first time in PSL history, the traditional draft system has been replaced with an auction-based model. Under this system, franchises can now retain only one player per category instead of eight, while remaining players will be added to their squads through the auction.

Retentions by Franchises:

Lahore Qalandars – The defending champions have retained captain Shaheen Afridi in the Platinum category. They released Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman from Platinum. In other categories, Abdullah Shafiq (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold), and Mohammad Naeem (Silver) were retained, while several players including Salman Mirza, Zaman Khan, Jahandad Khan, Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Mohammad Ikhlaq, and Mohammad Azab were released.

Karachi Kings – The franchise retained fast bowler Hasan Ali in Platinum, Abbas Afridi (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold), and Saad Baig (Emerging).

Islamabad United – Shadab Khan remains in Platinum, Salman Irshad in Gold, and Andres Goos in Silver. The team released players including Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim, Azam Khan, Haider Ali, Roman Rais, Mohammad Faiq, and Haneen Shah across various categories.

Quetta Gladiators – The franchise retained Abrar Ahmed (Platinum), Usman Tariq (Diamond), Hassan Nawaz (Gold), and Hussain (Emerging). Players released include Mohammad Amir, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Khurram Shehzad, Hasibullah Khan, Khawaja Nafees, Danish Aziz, and Mohammad Zeeshan.

The retentions mark the first step in the PSL 11 preparations, with the new auction-based player draft set to determine final team squads for the season.

PSL team Sialkot officially named “Sialkot Stallions” by owner

January 21, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Kamal Khan, owner of the new Pakistan Super League (PSL) team from Sialkot, has officially announced the team’s name as “Sialkot Stallions.” He shared the announcement along with a video on social media platform X.

The addition of Sialkot Stallions is expected to bring more excitement and diversity to the PSL, with cricket fans eagerly looking forward to seeing the new team in action.

You guessed it. You waited. Now, I am proud to officially introduce “SIALKOT STALLIONZ” @PSLStallionz
Excited to be part of the Pakistan Super League journey 🏏
You can also follow us on Instagram “SialkotStallionzPSL” @thePSLt20 @TheRealPCB @MajeedHamz84164 #PSL #HBLPSL pic.twitter.com/zX9qNiuhh9
— kamil khan (@13kamilkhan) January 21, 2026

Meanwhile, the final name for the Hyderabad PSL team is yet to be revealed.

The 11th edition of the PSL, featuring eight teams, is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026.

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik announces retirement from PSL

January 20, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik has announced his retirement from the Pakistan Super League (PSL), bringing an end to his decade-long career in the tournament.

In a statement shared on his social media account, Malik said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment on and off the field during my 10-year PSL career.

The time has come to conclude this journey here.” He added that he will always be available to serve the game of cricket in the future.

Shoaib Malik had previously retired from Test cricket in 2015 and from One Day Internationals in 2019. Although he had not officially retired from T20 Internationals, the 44-year-old all-rounder has not represented the national team since 2021. However, he continued to play in the PSL and other T20 leagues.

Malik featured in all 10 seasons of the PSL, representing four teams: Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. His final PSL season was in 2025, playing for Quetta Gladiators.

PCB fixes base price for PSL’s new franchises ahead of auction

December 11, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly almost tripled the value of all six existing Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, while setting a price of PKR 1.3 billion per year for each of the two new franchises.

Although no official announcement has been made by PCB regarding the exact figures, media reports suggest that the new valuations are significantly higher than before. Unlike 2016, when franchise prices were quoted in US dollars, all financial transactions are now being conducted in Pakistani rupees.

To attract investors for the two new franchises and the Multan Sultans, PCB organized a grand roadshow in London.

The Board has shortlisted six cities—Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Hyderabad, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit—from which two cities will be selected to expand the PSL to eight teams.

PCB also plans to hold a roadshow in New York as part of its global investment strategy, aiming to draw international investors’ attention before the auction of the two new franchises.

The initiative highlights the PSL’s commercial potential, international following, and long-term growth prospects.

England cricketer Moeen Ali announces to join PSL

December 2, 2025 by Newsdesk

After South African skipper Faf du Plessis, former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has also decided to skip the Indian Premier League (IPL) and participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

In an Instagram post, Moeen Ali described this move as a “time for a new beginning.” He expressed excitement about joining the HBL PSL’s new season, praising the league for its high standards and world-class talent, which he said make it a prominent tournament in T20 cricket.

“Playing in Pakistan has always been a great experience,” Ali wrote. “The quality of cricket and the exceptional passion of the fans inspire you to perform at your best. I am looking forward to creating unforgettable memories and embracing this new and special experience, InshaAllah.”

Recently, South African cricketer Faf du Plessis had announced on social media that he would not participate in the IPL this season, choosing instead to take on the new challenge of playing in the PSL.

Quetta Gladiators renew PSL agreement for another 10 years

November 25, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators have become the third franchise—after Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi—to renew their partnership with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for an additional 10 years.

The PSL officially confirmed the extension, stating that the new agreement with Quetta Gladiators has been finalized under an updated valuation conducted by international firm EY MENA.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his satisfaction over the renewed partnership, praising franchise owner Nadeem Omar for his longstanding contributions to the league. He highlighted that Omar’s continued trust reflects the PSL’s growing credibility.

PSL CEO Salman Naseer also welcomed the extension, noting that the partnership with Quetta Gladiators will become even stronger. He commended the franchise’s passion and commitment, adding that Nadeem Omar’s support goes “beyond expectations,” and that Quetta Gladiators remain one of the PSL’s most solid franchises due to their popularity and performance.

PSL announces auction date for two new franchises

November 21, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to enter a new phase of expansion, with the auction for two additional teams scheduled for January 6, 2026.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has crossed a major milestone in the league’s growth, announcing a shortlist of six potential cities for the new franchises. The shortlisted cities include Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit.

According to the PCB, only technically qualified bidders will be eligible to participate in the auction for the two new teams.

Commenting on the development, PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer said the Pakistan Super League continues to evolve as a global T20 brand, with expansion marking an important step in its journey.