Registration opens for foreign players for ‘historic’ PSL 11

Interested players can register by January 20, 2026, says cricket board
lahore
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opened registration for foreign players interested in participating in the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
“The foreign player registration window for the 11th edition of the PSL is now officially open,” the cricket body said in a statement issued on Friday.
The announcement comes as the league enters a “historic expansion” phase, with the addition of two new franchises, opening the door for greater international participation in what is set to be the league’s largest season to date.
The PCB said the expansion to eight teams will create significantly more roster spots and earning opportunities for overseas players.
“Agents and independent players are encouraged to complete their registration before January 20, 2026, to be included in the Player Pool,” the PCB said, adding that the registration link is available on its official website.
Launched in 2016, the PSL will feature eight teams for the first time in its 11th edition. The auction for the two new franchises is scheduled to be held in Islamabad on January 8 and will be broadcast live, the board said.
Earlier, the PCB had extended the deadline for bids for the two new franchises by a week, citing strong interest from investors in Europe, the United States and the Middle East.
The extension was announced by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on his official X account, who said the deadline had been moved from December 15 to December 22.
With the upcoming expansion, the PSL will undergo its first major structural change in seven years, officially increasing the number of franchises from six to eight.
PCB to take over Multan Sultans after ownership deal ends
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to assume control of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans in 2026 after the current ownership agreement expires on December 31, 2025 official sources confirmed.
According to the PCB sources, a policy decision on the matter is expected within a week. Under the proposed plan, the PCB will manage Multan Sultans for one year before handing over the franchise to a new owner through an auction in 2027, The News reported on Friday.
If implemented, the arrangement would save the PCB around $4 million in a year, as it would not have to pay $3m from the central pool or an additional $1m in sponsorship funds.
However, an audit firm’s report notes that the PCB would not receive the franchise fee for that year, which stands at $8.5m.
In November, Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen announced via social media that he was parting ways with the PSL franchise. Sources indicate that relations between the PCB and Ali Tareen had remained strained over the past year, eventually reaching a point of no return.
Multan Sultans were originally awarded as the sixth PSL team to the Schon Group under a $5.2m agreement, making it the most expensive franchise at the time, double the price of Karachi Kings, which was acquired for $2.6m.
However, after the inaugural season, the Schon Group reportedly realised the deal was not viable. When franchise payments were not made, the PCB terminated the agreement.