The recently finalised ownership change of Pakistan International Airlines appears to be opening doors beyond aviation, as the airline’s new backers are now being widely linked with the purchase of a new Pakistan Super League franchise ahead of the 2026 season.
Business circles indicate that the Arif Habib Group, which completed a Rs. 135 billion acquisition of PIA, has emerged as one of the strongest contenders to secure one of the two new PSL teams set to debut in PSL 11. The group is believed to be actively engaged in the league’s expansion process.
Sources familiar with the bidding say that Inverex and the Arif Habib Group are currently leading the race for the two available franchises as the PSL prepares to expand from six to eight teams.
Strong Response for PSL Expansion
The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed a record level of interest in the sale of the new teams, revealing that 12 parties submitted bids before the final deadline. Officials described the response as exceptional, reflecting the league’s rising commercial value.
Due to growing interest, the submission deadline was extended multiple times — initially from December 15 to December 22, and later to December 24. The surge followed international promotional roadshows in London and New York, which attracted investors from Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
The addition of two new franchises will mark the PSL’s first major structural change since Multan Sultans joined in 2018, when the league expanded from five to six teams.
Who’s in the Running
According to PCB officials, bidders have come from five countries, including Pakistan, the United States, Australia, Canada, and the UAE. The pool includes a mix of telecom companies, real estate firms, and overseas Pakistani-backed consortia, alongside prominent local business groups.
The PCB is expected to announce the results of the initial screening phase on December 27, determining which bidders meet the technical and financial requirements.
Shortlisted parties will then move into an open competition bidding round, where final franchise prices will be set and ownership confirmed.
Potential Cities for New Teams
Successful bidders will be allowed to select their teams from a shortlist of cities, which includes:
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Hyderabad
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Rawalpindi
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Faisalabad
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Gilgit
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Muzaffarabad
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Sialkot
The final outcome is expected to shape the next era of the Pakistan Super League as it enters its most ambitious expansion phase yet.
