Ascending PSL
Pakistan Super League (PSL) is stepping into a new era with the addition of two new franchises for Hyderabad and Sialkot, expanding the league to eight teams from the 2026 season. The expansion also highlights the decisive vote of confidence in the league's growing stature and economic potential. While this move highlights the PSL's robust domestic trajectory, it also frames the reality of its position in the global cricketing economy — a narrative of promising growth with room to build.
The expansion itself is undeniably positive news. The record franchise fees — of Rs1.75 billion for Hyderabad and Rs1.85 billion for Sialkot, paid by American and Australian consortia, respectively — demonstrate significant international investor confidence in the league, despite Indian efforts to undermine its model. This growth builds on a foundation of remarkable fan engagement. Last year's PSL 10 shattered digital records, amassing over 1.1 billion live-streaming views in its first 12 matches alone, a staggering 826% increase over the past year. This digital explosion proves the league has successfully captured a passionate audience, and despite not directly charging fans, can make a bundle very quickly through ad and broadcasting revenue. But the league remains tiny compared to its chief competitor, the Indian Premier League (IPL). The financial gulf between the PSL and IPL remains immense, with recent IPL franchise valuations coming in over 100 times higher than any existing competitors, reflecting the massive disparity in media rights ecosystems and global commercial appeal.
Therefore, expansion is only setting the base for growth that will hopefully make the PSL into a must-play league for the world's top talent. The challenge now is to leverage this momentum — converting massive digital viewership into sustainable revenue and continuing to enhance the league's production value and stability to attract an even larger share of the global cricket market. The PSL is on an exciting upward path, and its expansion is a clear signal of intent for the future.