PCB appoints Wasim Akram as PSL brand ambassador

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced the appointment of former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram as the ambassador of HBL Pakistan Super League.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said that Wasim Akram will actively work to promote PSL and will also be present at the auction of two new PSL franchises scheduled for January 8.

The PCB is now fully focused on the upcoming auction, Naqvi said, noting that there is huge interest from investors. He expressed confidence that the teams would be sold at high prices. The PCB chairman revealed that 10 parties have qualified to participate in the bidding process for the two new franchises, which will be held in Islamabad on January 8.

Naqvi also announced that the Multan Sultans franchise will be auctioned after the conclusion of the upcoming PSL, while the team will be run by the PCB itself during PSL 11. He clarified that if Ali Tareen succeeds in bidding for a new team, he will be able to become its owner.

Discussing the tournament schedule, Naqvi said that the PCB is considering starting the PSL from March 23 instead of March 26, adding that the final decision will be taken after consulting all the franchises.

Commenting on recent developments in international cricket, Naqvi highlighted that the PCB has written a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the misconduct of Indian players during the Under-19 Asia Cup. He said that if Indian players are reluctant to shake hands with Pakistani players, “we are not willing to shake hands either”.

A day ago, Pakistan Cricket Bang shortlisted 10 bidders for the sale of two new HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise teams, which will now participate in the auction, scheduled for January 8.

According to a PCB statement, published on X, the PCB Bid Committee has successfully completed the technical evaluation of the proposals submitted by interested parties for the sale of the two new HBL PSL franchises.

A total of 12 proposals were received from bidders from around the world and scrutinized by the PCB Bid Committee, the statement said. After a thorough and transparent evaluation process, the PCB Bidding Committee shortlisted 10 bidders who met the technical criteria and have now advanced to the second stage, he added.

These 10 technically qualified bidders will participate in the auction scheduled for January 8, 2026, at the Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad.

In the auction, the successful bidders will have the right to choose the franchise group names from among the following cities: Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad and Sialkot.