Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 is set to witness a major shake-up with two new franchises joining the tournament.
Amid speculation on the names of the two new cities set to join the country’s flagship T20 league, sports journalist and anchor Syed Yahya Hussaini has claimed that the franchises would be named after Hyderabad and Faisalabad.
“Pakistan Super League 2026 will feature a seventh franchise from Hyderabad and an eighth from Faisalabad. Season 11 will also see Iqbal Stadium hosting its fifth PSL match,” he wrote on X.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is renewing franchise agreements following the conclusion of the 10th season.
Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators have all accepted the PCB’s new proposal and will continue under their current owners.
Meanwhile, Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has announced his departure citing “principles”.
“Being part of this team has been one of the greatest honours of my life. I love the fans, I love this team, and I absolutely love being able to represent South Punjab. Something my late uncle Alamgir Tareen was especially proud of,” he said in a statement earlier this week.
“I have always spoken my mind. I never learned how to play it safe or just play along. If staying means compromising those principles, there is only one choice I can make. I would rather lose this team while standing on my feet than run it from my knees. So, this is goodbye,” he said.
The Multan Sultans and PCB have had a rocky relationship, including a public feud a few weeks back.
On the financial front, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced revised prize money for the upcoming season.
“Complementing the Pakistan Super League’s growth, I am thrilled to announce a new reward for franchises in the forthcoming editions,” he said.
The champions will receive $500,000, the runner-up will take home $300,000, and an additional $200,000 will be awarded to the franchise contributing most towards cricket development.
The auction for the two new PSL teams is scheduled for January 6, 2026, while the final decision on which cities will host the teams will be made after December 15.
The expansion marks the league’s first major restructuring in seven years since the addition of Multan Sultans in 2018.