PSL to Expand, City Speculation Addressed

The CEO of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Salman Naseer, has officially verified the addition of two new teams for the league’s 11th edition. However, he clarified that the city names being discussed on social media, such as Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Sialkot, and Faisalabad, are not yet confirmed.

Naseer validated the league’s forthcoming expansion but emphasized that the cities previously mentioned were only hypothetical examples. He assured fans that a definitive decision concerning the locations for the new teams is pending and that comprehensive details will be disclosed in due course.

Earlier, reports suggested that four cities were being evaluated for potential inclusion in the 2026 edition of the league.

A circulating rumor stated, “For the next PSL season, the PCB will introduce two additional teams, with Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Sialkot, and Faisalabad under consideration.”

The PSL, which commenced in 2016 with five teams – Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators – grew to six teams in 2018 with the incorporation of Multan Sultans.

The current 10th edition of the league is drawing to a close, with the Multan Sultans, led by Mohammad Rizwan, being the first team to be knocked out. Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, and Peshawar are now vying for the final four positions.

The Gladiators currently top the points table with five victories and 11 points, while Islamabad and Karachi hold the second and third positions with 10 points each. The Qalandars are in fourth place with nine points, and Zalmi is in fifth with eight points.

Notably, the upcoming PSL season is expected to overlap with the IPL once again, with both tournaments scheduled for April-May. The 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is anticipated to commence in February.