Multan Sultans are preparing for a major coaching shake-up ahead of the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11), with several former Pakistan cricketers under consideration for key roles. The move comes as the franchise enters a period of transition on and off the field. Officials have not confirmed appointments, but talks are said to be under way. According to early updates, Abdul Razzaq, Mushtaq Ahmed, and Taufeeq Umar are among the prominent names being discussed for positions in the new coaching setup. Each brings a different skill set. Razzaq is known for his experience as a seam-bowling all-rounder and power-hitter. Mushtaq Ahmed offers a long record as an international spin-bowling coach. Taufeeq Umar is viewed as a specialist for top-order batting and technique. In the update, sources say franchise management has also contacted two to three other former players as part of a broader restructuring. The process is ongoing, and final decisions are expected closer to the start of the tournament. Officials have not shared details on specific roles or timelines. The coaching reset follows a major transition for Multan Sultans. For PSL 11, the team will be run directly by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the previous ownership arrangement ended. According to officials, the franchise is expected to be put up for auction again after the season, marking a temporary phase under PCB oversight. Leadership changes have already begun. Long-time captain Mohammad Rizwan has stepped down, closing a chapter that defined the team’s rise in the league. The side is also being linked with high-profile figures for senior management and cricket operations roles, as the structure is reviewed ahead of the new season. If the plans move forward, Multan Sultans will head into PSL 11 with a refreshed coaching group, new leadership, and PCB management off the field. The changes aim to stabilise operations during the transition period, according to PakistaniBano News.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has completed 10 years, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) releasing a special video to mark the milestone. The league, launched a decade ago, has grown beyond a domestic T20 event into a recognised global sports brand. Officials say the anniversary reflects steady progress in cricket quality and event management. According to the PCB, the PSL has consistently delivered high-quality cricket while also presenting Pakistan’s hospitality and organisational strength to international audiences. From its early seasons to the present, the league has built a strong following at home and abroad. The PCB’s commemorative video traces the journey, key moments, and achievements over the past decade. In the update, the board said the PSL has earned the trust of leading international players, with growing interest from overseas cricketers to feature in the tournament. Officials point to a competitive playing environment, professional management, and a distinct league identity as key reasons behind this interest. These factors have helped the PSL secure its place on the global cricket calendar. The journey, however, has not been without challenges. The PCB said the league moved forward through collective efforts involving the board, franchise owners, and other stakeholders. One of the toughest periods came during the tenth edition, which was held amid extraordinary circumstances linked to the Pakistan-India conflict. Despite the situation, all matches were staged in Pakistan, reinforcing confidence in the country’s ability to host major sporting events. Looking ahead, the PSL is set to enter a new phase from its 11th edition, with two new teams to be added to the existing six franchises. The expansion aims to broaden the league’s reach and competitiveness. The PSL’s rising international profile was also evident in 2025, when successful roadshows were held at Lord’s Cricket Ground and in New York. Officials say these efforts underline the league’s ambitions, as followed by PakistaniBano News.

The race for new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises is gathering pace, with OZ Group publicly confirming its interest in securing a team for PSL 11. The group has signalled that it wants a franchise from either Faisalabad or Sialkot, as competition grows ahead of the upcoming auction. The development comes as the PCB prepares to expand the league with new teams. OZ Group is a multi-sector business group led by chairman Hamza Majeed. The group has investments across real estate, technology, trading, and food services. Its operations span Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, and the UAE, giving it both local insight and international exposure. According to early updates, the group believes this mix positions it well for long-term participation in the PSL. Meanwhile, Faisalabad and Sialkot have emerged as the most attractive options in the current expansion phase. OZ Group has made it clear that its bid will focus only on these two cities. Both are seen as strong cricket markets with established fan bases and historical relevance in domestic cricket. At the same time, former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen and the Tareen Group have also shown interest in acquiring a franchise from the same pool. Sources say their preference leans towards Sialkot, with hopes of reviving the legacy of the Sialkot Stallions, one of Pakistan’s most successful domestic T20 teams. The Sialkot Stallions, formed in 2004 and based at Jinnah Stadium, dominated Pakistan’s domestic T20 scene for several years. Under coach Azmat Rana, the team won five straight National T20 Cup titles between the 2005-06 and 2009-10 seasons. They also hold the world record for the longest winning streak in top-tier domestic T20 cricket, with 25 consecutive victories. According to officials, the Pakistan Cricket Board has cleared 10 bidders after the qualification process. The franchise auction will take place on Thursday, January 8, at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad. Successful bidders will be allowed to choose from approved host cities, including Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, and Sialkot, as reported by PakistaniBano News.

Multan Sultans are considering Pakistan T20 captain Salman Ali Agha as the new skipper ahead of the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11), according to early updates. The move follows Mohammad Rizwan stepping down from the captaincy, ending a long leadership chapter for the franchise. Officials have not confirmed a final decision. Rizwan has been closely linked with Multan Sultans’ rise in the PSL, guiding the team through multiple seasons. His exit from the role has opened the door for a leadership change as the franchise prepares for a broader reset before PSL 11. The captaincy shift is part of a wider overhaul at Multan Sultans. For PSL 11, the team will be operated directly by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the previous ownership arrangement concluded. According to officials, the franchise is expected to be put up for auction again once PSL 11 ends. As part of the reset, Aqib Javed, currently head coach of Lahore Qalandars, is tipped to take over as Head of Cricket Affairs. In this role, he would oversee player recruitment, long-term planning, and cricket operations. The plan signals a stronger focus on structured team-building under central oversight. Meanwhile, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson is expected to be appointed as head coach of Multan Sultans. Sources say several former players have also been discussed for supporting roles within the coaching setup. These include Abdul Razzaq, Mushtaq Ahmed, and Taufeeq Umar, though no appointments have been announced. If the proposals move forward, Multan Sultans will enter PSL 11 with a completely revamped structure. This would include a new captain, a new coaching group, and temporary management by the PCB off the field. The changes are aimed at stabilising the franchise ahead of its next ownership phase, according to PakistaniBano News.

Google’s annual search trends for 2025 show that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) remained one of the most-searched sporting events in India, despite political tensions and restricted coverage inside the country. The report highlights that Indian audiences continued to follow PSL scores and updates throughout the season.   The data indicates that Indian users showed wide interest in technology, sports and entertainment, yet PSL stood out as a leading topic. This happened even after a period marked by anti-Pakistan sentiment, limits on Pakistani content, and controversies over interactions between athletes. Despite these factors, searches for PSL X rose sharply during the tournament.   Indian broadcasters were not allowed to air PSL matches, but online searches for live scores, results and match updates stayed among the country’s top sports-related queries. The trend continued well ahead of PSL 11, which is scheduled to begin in April next year with the addition of two new teams.   Meanwhile, several major international players, including Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali, have already signalled their plans to join the PSL instead of the IPL this season. Their early interest has added to the league’s momentum.   The PSL trophy will also go on a promotional tour across the UK and the US as part of efforts to expand the league’s global presence. Growing foreign investment and rising international viewership have encouraged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to organize major overseas promotional events.   The PCB will stage a PSL Roadshow in the United States to engage fans and investors, followed by a landmark showcase at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. There, league officials will brief commercial partners, business groups and cricket followers on PSL’s growth, commercial value and long-term expansion strategy.   The introduction of two new franchises has already drawn significant interest from potential buyers. Through these international events, the PCB aims to highlight the league’s business model and outline its vision for the next phase of development, reinforcing PSL’s reputation as one of cricket’s fastest-growing competitions.

Salman Ali Agha is expected to continue as Pakistan’s T20I captain, with the team management backing him to lead the side at the 2026 T20 World Cup. According to people close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the top decision-makers are satisfied with his impact on the dressing room and see no need to change the leadership before the global event.   Insiders say the PCB “think tank” believes Salman has helped restore discipline, unity and a stronger winning mentality in the squad. Officials feel the team looks more settled under his charge, which makes him the natural choice to remain captain. The tournament is scheduled for February and March 2026 and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, adding extra focus on Pakistan’s preparations.   Reports had earlier linked Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi with a possible return to captaincy, but senior PCB figures now indicate that no such change is on the table. One senior official shared that Salman’s influence has revived the side’s fighting spirit and that the players appear “more focused and committed under him”, leaving little justification to alter the current setup.   On the field, Pakistan have enjoyed a strong run in the format, securing 21 T20I victories in 2025, the most among full-member teams. Salman has led in 38 of his 40 T20 Internationals, scoring 671 runs at an average of 24.85. With 23 wins as skipper, he now ranks as Pakistan’s third-most successful T20I captain, behind Babar Azam with 48 wins and Sarfaraz Ahmed with 29. His tenure already includes a Tri-Nation Series title and a place in the Asia Cup final.   While his batting has faced scrutiny at times, his recent unbeaten 63 against Sri Lanka in the tri-series has strengthened his position. That innings was viewed inside the camp as a timely reminder of the value he offers both as captain and middle-order batter, reinforcing arguments to keep him in charge for the World Cup cycle.   Meanwhile, Shadab Khan is set to rejoin the national side purely as a player for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The all-rounder last played for Pakistan in June against Bangladesh before undergoing shoulder surgery in London. After completing his recovery and working on his fitness at the NCA in Lahore, he is expected to prove his readiness in the Big Bash League, which begins on 14 December. Pakistan’s BBL-bound players will leave next week, and the squad for the Sri Lanka series will be finalised once their immediate schedules are confirmed.

Lahore: The HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL) will host an exclusive roadshow at Lord’s Cricket Ground, taking the league’s expansion plans and commercial vision to the historic Home of Cricket in London. The event is aimed at global investors, commercial partners and cricket fans interested in the tournament’s next phase of growth.   According to the Pakistan Cricket Board, the HBL PSL has grown into one of the most exciting and commercially strong T20 leagues in world cricket. As the league prepares to add two new teams, it has already attracted strong interest from potential ownership groups in the United Kingdom, reflecting its rising global profile and close ties with UK-based cricket stakeholders, PakistaniBano News reported.   The London roadshow is designed to give guests a detailed view of the league’s commercial ecosystem, including team ownership structures, sponsorship opportunities and long-term strategy. Investors and cricket followers will be introduced to the league’s growth roadmap and the vision behind its upcoming expansion, with organisers describing the event as an immersive platform for discussion and networking.   PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the HBL PSL represents excellence and ambition in Pakistan cricket and noted that taking the roadshow to Lord’s underlines the board’s efforts to raise the sport’s profile on the global stage. He pointed out that strong interest from the UK market in the new teams confirms the league’s widening international appeal and provides a chance to deepen long-term partnerships around expansion and innovation.   HBL PSL chief executive Salman Naseer added that the league has established itself as a world-class competition with a powerful global following and strong commercial value. Hosting the event at Lord’s will allow potential investors to engage directly with plans linked to the introduction of new franchises and the aim of building a “bigger and stronger” league with closer international connections.   The upcoming roadshow is expected to attract business leaders, would-be franchise owners and cricket supporters interested in one of the sport’s fastest-growing leagues. Organisers confirmed that 30 superfans will also receive a rare chance to attend the exclusive gathering, with details on how to secure tickets to be announced soon.

The Pakistan Super League has taken a major step toward expansion, announcing that the auction for two new PSL franchises will take place on 6 January 2026. The move follows the completion of market valuations for existing teams and commercial assets, allowing the league to proceed with its long-awaited growth plans.   According to the PSL, only bidders who meet the technical requirements will be allowed to participate in the January auction. Officials say the aim is to ensure that only committed and financially capable groups enter the competition, keeping the league’s standards intact.   The inclusion of two new teams is expected to reshape the tournament’s structure. It will expand PSL’s presence across Pakistan, create new rivalries, and open the door for more young cricketers to showcase their talent. This development comes at a time when the league is looking to strengthen its national footprint and improve commercial opportunities.   As part of the pre-auction process, the PCB has shortlisted six cities from which bidders can select their franchise identity: Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit. Successful bidders will be free to choose any of these as their official team name once the auction is complete.   PSL and PCB officials said they are excited to welcome new stakeholders into the league’s ecosystem, noting that the expansion reflects Pakistan cricket’s broader ambitions both on and off the field. With the auction date now confirmed, the arrival of two new teams is set to add depth, opportunities, and fresh energy to the country’s biggest cricket event.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has approved a major rise in prize money for the Pakistan Super League, introducing new financial rewards that will take effect from the PSL 2026 season. The update came from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who said the move aims to link success on the field with long-term cricket development.   According to the new structure, PSL champions will receive $500,000, while runners-up will earn $300,000. This amount is separate from the league’s official prize money, which will be announced later. Naqvi also confirmed a new category: a $200,000 award for the “Best Franchise contributing towards Cricket Development.”   The board says the idea is not only to increase rewards but also to redefine how franchises are evaluated. Until now, teams were mostly judged by results and brand presence. With the new development award, their efforts in strengthening Pakistan’s cricket structure will also carry weight.   The PCB expects teams to support youth academies, scouting programs, regional pathways, and coaching setups. Better facilities in underdeveloped areas may also help franchises stand out. Officials believe this can push PSL teams to play a more active role in grooming future talent.   The increased prize money for the top two sides is meant to maintain strong competition on the field. At the same time, the development award encourages owners and management to think beyond one tournament cycle.   In his announcement, Naqvi wrote that the aim is to move Pakistan cricket “to new heights.” With these financial changes, the PSL now has a system that promotes both performance and long-term investment in the game.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday denied reports claiming that two city names had already been finalised for the new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises.   In its statement, the board said that the winning bidders will choose a team name from the list of approved cities. The options already shared with interested parties include Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit.   The PCB said it was encouraged by the strong interest shown by companies seeking rights for the two new PSL teams. The board said the growing demand highlighted the league’s expanding value.   Last month, PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer said that an auction will be held for the two new franchises in the 11th edition of the tournament. He told reporters in Karachi that bidders would receive a pool of city names and could select one for their team after winning the process.   The PCB said that the public advertisement for team franchise rights was issued on 15 November 2025, inviting bids from interested parties in Pakistan and abroad. According to the board, the deadline for submitting technical proposals is 15 December 2025 at 11am.   The board said the process would move forward as per schedule.