The wait is finally over for cricket fans across Pakistan and worldwide. Today, January 8, 2026, marks a historic day for the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially concluded the highly anticipated auction for PSL 11, confirming the addition of two new teams to the league.
With the tournament expanding from six to eight teams, competition is set to be fiercer than ever. The PCB has also released the tentative schedule, confirming that the cricketing festival will begin later this year due to international commitments. Here is everything you need to know about the PSL 2026 auction, new franchises, and player drafts.
PSL 2026 Expansion: Welcome Sialkot and Faisalabad
The biggest news from today’s auction in Lahore is the addition of two new franchises. After years of speculation and fan demand, the PCB approved teams representing Sialkot and Faisalabad.
This expansion will allow more local talent to shine and gives young players the chance to learn alongside international stars. More matches, longer tournament duration, and increased opportunities for emerging players make this season highly anticipated by fans and experts alike.
Confirmed PSL 2026 Teams & Categories
| Team Name | Home Ground | Category/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sialkot Stallions | Jinnah Stadium, Sialkot | New Entry (2026) |
| Faisalabad Wolves | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad | New Entry (2026) |
| Lahore Qalandars | Gaddafi Stadium | Defending Champions |
| Karachi Kings | National Bank Arena | Platinum Category |
| Islamabad United | Pindi Cricket Stadium | Platinum Category |
| Peshawar Zalmi | Arbab Niaz Stadium | Platinum Category |
Top Picks & Platinum Category Drafts
The auction hall was buzzing as franchise owners bid heavily for top T20 talent. With the expansion draft, the player pool was much larger this year. International stars from England, Australia, and West Indies were the main attractions, while Pakistan’s local players commanded record prices.
Key Auction Highlights:
- Babar Azam retained by Peshawar Zalmi remains the most expensive pick
- Shaheen Afridi continues to lead Lahore Qalandars
- Naseem Shah saw a bidding war between Islamabad United and Sialkot Stallions
- Jos Buttler (ENG) and Nicholas Pooran (WI) were top picks for the new franchises
Most Expensive Buys of PSL 11
| Player Name | Country | Picked By | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Stokes | England | Sialkot Stallions | Platinum |
| Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | Lahore Qalandars | Platinum (Retained) |
| Glenn Maxwell | Australia | Faisalabad Wolves | Platinum |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Pakistan | Multan Sultans | Platinum (Retained) |
| Harry Brook | England | Lahore Qalandars | Diamond |
Schedule Announcement: League Starts March 26
The PCB has confirmed that PSL 2026 will start on March 26, 2026, slightly later than usual due to a busy international calendar. The tournament will follow a double-league format, with each team playing twice before playoffs. With 8 teams, the total number of matches has increased, promising almost two months of continuous cricket excitement.
Important Dates & Venues:
- Opening Ceremony: March 26, 2026 (Multan Cricket Stadium)
- First Match: Multan Sultans vs. Sialkot Stallions
- Playoffs Start: May 10, 2026
- Grand Final: May 15, 2026 (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
The addition of Sialkot and Faisalabad is expected to boost viewership and revenue. Fans should book tickets early for these new venues. Stay tuned for the full match-by-match schedule.
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