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PSL expansion attracts bidders from five continents

The Pakistan Cricket Board has received an unprecedented response for the sale of two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, with 12 parties submitting formal bids from five continents, including the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan, according to PCB press release.

This highlights the PSL’s growing global footprint and its appeal as a major sporting and investment platform.

The PCB stated that the results of this initial bidding phase will be announced on December 27.

In the next stage, technically qualified bidders will have the chance to acquire the two new franchises through an open competitive bidding process.

The PSL team auction is scheduled to take place on January 8 at the Islamabad Convention Centre.

The PCB reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a transparent, competitive, and internationally standard process, aiming to further expand the PSL and strengthen its position as a globally recognized T20 league.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had earlier announced that the registration process for foreign players ahead of the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League has officially begun.

Agents and independent players are encouraged to complete their registration before 20 January, 2026 deadline to be included in the Player Pool.

Both agents and independent players can complete the registration process through the designated link provided by the board.

The 11th edition of the HBL PSL is scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 3, 2026.

Since its launch in 2016, the league has continued to grow in scale and popularity, attracting top talent from around the world.

These top unsold IPL players create big opportunities for PSL franchises

Several well-known overseas cricketers went unsold in the latest Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction, creating a strong opportunity for Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises ahead of PSL 11.

The IPL held a relatively smaller mini-auction this year at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, marking the third straight time the event took place outside India.

With only 77 total slots available, including a limited number for overseas players, many established foreign names failed to attract bids despite impressive T20 credentials.

As a result, the PSL now has a wide pool of experienced international players to choose from.

These cricketers bring proven skills, global exposure, and the ability to strengthen team combinations, especially in key areas such as power-hitting, fast bowling, and spin options.

The list of unsold players includes top talents from Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.

Top foreign players who went unsold in the latest IPL auction include Jake Fraser-McGurk, Devon Conway, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Jonny Bairstow, Jamie Smith, Gerald Coetzee, Spencer Johnson, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Michael Bracewell, and Daryl Mitchell.

Other notable names include Gus Atkinson, Wiaan Mulder, Maheesh Theekshana, Wahidullah Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Sean Abbott, Dasun Shanaka, Waqar Salamkheil, Dan Lawrence, Taskin Ahmed, Richard Gleeson, Alzarri Joseph, Riley Meredith, Jhye Richardson, Connor Esterhuizen, Daniel Lategan, Nathan Smith, and Will Sutherland.

Many of them have performed consistently in international cricket and major T20 leagues around the world.

With PSL 11 approaching, franchises are expected to closely monitor these players.

The league has often attracted overseas stars who value regular playing time and a competitive environment.

In previous seasons, several high-profile players opted for the PSL due to its growing reputation and strong viewership.

The availability of these foreign players could significantly raise the quality and excitement of the upcoming PSL season, while also giving unsold IPL players a chance to showcase their skills on a major stage.

The PSL 11 auction will be held on January 8 2026.