ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set for a major expansion, with plans to add two new franchise teams for its eleventh edition.
The announcement was made informally by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi. This move will increase the total number of teams in the country’s premier T20 competition from the current six to eight.
According to sources, due to significant investor interest, the PCB is likely to hold an open bidding process to determine the new franchise owners. This method will set the final price for the teams.
The successful bidders will be given the right to choose their own team names and the cities they wish to represent. The PSL administration is expected to officially announce the detailed procedure for the expansion soon.
The PSL began in 2016 with five teams. A sixth team, the Multan Sultans, was added in 2018, and this will be the league’s first expansion since then.
Also read: Decisive Pakistan-South Africa Test begins in Rawalpindi today
Mean while the final and decisive Test match between Pakistan and South Africa is scheduled underway in Rawalpindi , with the host nation holding a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.
Ahead of the crucial fixture, both teams engaged in extensive net sessions. The Pakistani batsmen were seen focusing specifically on sweep and reverse-sweep shots in a dedicated practice drill.
Pakistan’s head coach, Azhar Mahmood, described the match as the “best opportunity to win the series against the Test champion.” While reflecting positively on the balanced pitch in Lahore, he indicated that the final playing XI for the Rawalpindi Test would be confirmed just before the toss.
South Africa’s captain, Aiden Markram, acknowledged the perennial challenge of playing in Pakistani conditions. He stated that his team expects a tough contest from Pakistani spinners Noman and Sajid. Markram also confirmed that the fit-again spinner Keshav Maharaj would be part of the final eleven.
In a lighter interlude, the South African squad visited a shopping mall in Islamabad after their training, where players showed keen interest in traditional Pakistani crafts and purchased various souvenirs.
