The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced a comprehensive set of mandatory rules and financial conditions for the two new franchises set to join the Pakistan Super League from its 2026 season (PSL 11).
This major development comes as strong investor interest pours in from Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other international markets, highlighting the PSL’s growing global appeal. The franchise auction is scheduled for January 8, where bidders will compete for ownership of the league’s seventh and eighth teams.
🔒 Franchise Ownership Transfer Rules
Under the newly announced regulations:
- Winning bidders cannot sell or transfer their franchise for the first three years.
- Franchise transfers will only be allowed from the fourth year onward.
- Any transfer will require prior written approval from the PCB.
- A transfer fee equal to 10% of the annual franchise fee will be mandatory.
These rules aim to ensure long-term stability and commitment from new franchise owners.
💰 Guaranteed Revenue & Financial Model
PCB has also finalized a robust financial framework for the new teams:
- Like existing franchises, new teams will receive up to 95% of revenue from the central pool.
- From PSL 11 onwards, each new franchise is guaranteed a minimum of Rs. 85 crore for the next five seasons.
- If a team earns less than the guaranteed amount, PCB will cover the shortfall.
This move provides financial security and reduces investment risk for new entrants.
🏷️ Team Name, Logo & Branding Rules
Strict branding guidelines have also been introduced:
- Teams may include a city name in their title, but PCB approval is mandatory.
- Use of existing team suffixes like Qalandars, Kings, United, Zalmi, Gladiators, or Sultans is strictly prohibited.
- Commercial brand names or logos are not allowed in team identities.
- All bidders must submit their proposed team name and logo with their technical proposal.
📊 Revenue Distribution & Long-Term Planning
- Central pool revenue will be distributed equally among all franchises.
- Teams will retain 95% of media rights revenue and 85% of central licensing income after deductions.
- The PSL Governing Council holds the authority to adjust revenue shares if needed.
- Final revenue percentages beyond PSL 20 will be decided by PCB at a later stage.
This structured approach reflects PCB’s vision to make PSL commercially sustainable and globally competitive in the long run.
