The Pakistan Super League’s 11th edition is planned to be held from March 26 to May 3, 2026, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday, while also announcing that the auction for two proposed new franchises would take place on January 8.

The announcements were made during a PCB investor roadshow in New York, part of an overseas promotional campaign aimed at attracting commercial interest ahead of a potential expansion of the league from six to eight teams.

The PCB has previously indicated that expansion is under consideration, though the addition of new franchises has not yet been formally ratified.

Addressing attendees at the event, Mohsin said the PCB had taken administrative control of the Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium and intended to begin renovation work.

He added that efforts were under way to have the venue ready in time for the PSL, though he acknowledged that completion before the tournament was not guaranteed.

“We are starting Muzaffarabad’s stadium, which we have taken over, and our target is to get it ready before the PSL. If not, then work will be initiated within this year,” he said.

Mohsin also stated that the deadline for submission of bids for the new franchises had been extended to December 22, citing interest from prospective investors.

On Sunday, the PSL trophy was displayed at Times Square, where members of Pakistan’s cricketing diaspora gathered for photographs and brief interactions with players and officials.

The PCB said the event was intended to raise the league’s profile among overseas audiences. Several Pakistan cricketers attended the engagement, including Shan Masood, as well as former players Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja.

The PCB also said members of the current national setup were present, though no official matches or cricketing activities were scheduled as part of the programme. Singer Ali Zafar, who has previously been associated with PSL anthems, was also in attendance.

The New York event followed a similar promotional stop at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London earlier this year. The PCB has described these activities as part of a broader effort to enhance the league’s commercial value and visibility beyond traditional markets.

Launched in 2016, the PSL has grown into Pakistan’s flagship T20 competition, initially staged entirely overseas before returning to home venues in phases.

While the league has attracted international players and broadcasters, it has also faced scheduling challenges due to Pakistan’s crowded international calendar and competition from other T20 leagues.

The PCB has yet to release detailed information regarding venues, player drafts or confirmation of new teams for the 2026 season.

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India recorded a dominant 90-run victory over Pakistan in their Group ‘A’ match of the Under-19 Asia Cup at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Sunday.

After rain delayed the start and reduced the match to 49 overs per side, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf won the toss and elected to field.

India, recovering from early setbacks, were bowled out for 240 in 46.1 overs, with Aaron George anchoring the innings with a resolute 85.

Captain Ayush Mhatre provided early impetus with a brisk 38 off 25 balls before Mohammad Sayyam removed him and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (five) to leave India at 78-2.

George then steadied the innings, sharing a 60-run fifth-wicket stand with Abhigyan Kundu (22). Kanishk Chouhan added late momentum with 46 off 46 balls, including three sixes.

Abdul Subhan (3-42) and Sayyam (3-67) led Pakistan’s bowling effort, while Niqab Shafiq claimed two wickets.

Pakistan’s chase faltered early as Deepesh Devendran struck three times in the opening spell, reducing them to 30-4.

Chouhan dismissed opener Usman Khan (16) before skipper Farhan’s 23 ended with Pakistan struggling at 77-5.

Huzaifa Ahsan offered resistance with a fighting 70 off 83 balls, but received little support. Chouhan finished with three wickets, while Kishan Singh claimed the final two as Pakistan were bowled out for 150 in 41.2 overs.

The win lifted India to the top of Group ‘A’ with two victories from two matches.

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Friday an extension of the deadline for submitting bids for the two new franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), citing growing interest from investors in Europe, the United States, the Middle East and beyond.

In a post on X , Mohsin said the original deadline of December 15 had been pushed back by one week to December 22, to accommodate the surge in inquiries.

“Witnessing growing interest from Europe, USA, the Middle East and beyond in acquiring new HBL PSL teams, we have decided to extend the bid submission deadline by one week to 22 December 2025,” he wrote, while quoting an earlier PSL announcement about a promotional roadshow in New York.

“Good luck to everyone excited to welcome our new franchise owners to the HBL PSL family,” Mohsin added.

The announcement came on the very day the PCB hosted a high-profile PSL roadshow in New York City, featuring current Pakistan players including T20 captain Salman Ali Agha, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel, along with legends Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja, and singer Ali Zafar.

The event followed a similar roadshow at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London last week, as part of efforts to attract global investment ahead of the league’s expansion to eight teams for its 11th edition in 2026.

The addition of two new franchises marks the PSL’s first major structural growth since 2018, when Multan Sultans joined as the sixth team.

The auction for the new teams is expected to follow shortly after the bidding process concludes.

Mohsin, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, has been vocal about elevating the PSL’s global standing, including recent pledges for transparent bidding and infrastructure development.

The league’s expansion is seen as a step towards enhancing its commercial appeal and competitiveness on the international T20 circuit.

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