LAHORE  -  The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set for its most significant transformation yet, as the tournament plans to expand from six to eight teams after the 2025 season.

PSL CEO Salman Naseer has confirmed the league’s ambitious vision, emphasizing the meticulous groundwork required for a smooth and competitive expansion. He said: “By the end of this year, we might get two more teams. There’s always something happening, which re-energizes the concept, the event, and the passion of the fans.”

The PSL has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially launched in the UAE due to security concerns, the league has gradually transitioned into a fully home-based tournament, restoring international cricket to Pakistan’s stadiums.“We started at a time when no cricket was happening in Pakistan. The challenge was to bring it back,” Naseer recalled. With two new franchises set to join, PSL management is focused on maintaining the league’s signature competitiveness. “The balance between bat and ball is one of the hallmarks of PSL, and with expansion, we need to ensure that quality remains intact,” said the PSL CEO.

Beyond expanding the team count, PSL 2026 is also set to reach new cities and engage more fans across Pakistan.Peshawar will feature in an exhibition game for the first time, a step toward hosting full-fledged PSL matches in the city.The PSL trophy will go on a nationwide tour – afirst in the league’s history – bringingthe event closer to fans in cities that do not yet host PSL matches.

A fan park concept is under exploration to give audiences beyond major urban centers an immersive PSL experience.“Now that we’ve successfully brought cricket back to traditional centers, the next step is expanding beyond these four cities. Our trophy tour and fan engagement initiatives are steps in that direction,” Naseer explained. With the proliferation of T20 leagues globally, workload management is becoming an increasingly critical issue for players and boards alike.“The volume of cricket has increased. While we want players to participate in global leagues, their well-being and performance in international cricket must remain a priority,” the PSL CEO emphasised.

The January-February window, traditionally occupied by PSL, now faces competition from leagues like SA20 and ILT20. However, Naseer remains confident: “Other leagues have largely avoided our window. This year will be an interesting test, and with more teams, we anticipate a bigger window.” The expansion aligns with a crucial commercial phase for the PSL, as key media and sponsorship rights are set for re-evaluation and sale.

“Some of our rights are up for valuation after this PSL. A lot will depend on the data we gather,” Naseer noted, underlining the financial significance of this next phase.