PSL 2026- Mohsin Naqvi Starts Process To Liberate Pakistan Cricket From ICC Revenue

Mohsin Naqvi's new plan to help PCB generate revenue [Source: AFP]

The Pakistan Super League 2026 season is still a month away, but it appears Pakistan cricket is on the verge of securing its largest media rights deal in PSL history, which could be worth billions and help the board earn a substantial amount of money ahead of the next season.

According to reports by The Tribune, a PSL franchise is considering offering a record $ 4.5 billion annually for the PSL broadcasting rights, which could be the largest commercial deal in the league's history. If the bid is successful, the four-year deal could go up to 18 billion, and the PSL matches could be broadcast on Pakistan Television.

PCB Chief, Mohsin Naqvi is playing a big role in helping PSL grow as a brand as they no longer depend on ICC for the revenue generation.

Two broadcasters disqualified to bid for PSL media rights

Meanwhile, the report also states that two broadcasters (sports channels) have been disqualified from the bidding war as they are yet to clear their outstanding dues despite given repeated warnings by the board. Reportedly, one owes ₨4.7 billion, while the other owes over ₨600 million to the PCB.

A few months ago, the PCB had invited tenders to secure the PSL broadcasting rights for the next four-years; however, the two sports channels were eliminated in the race due to their unpaid liabilities.

The board issued a warning multiple times, but eventually, a breaking point came, and the board issued a disqualification letter. According to the rules mentioned in the tender, companies can bid for either or both categories - TV rights and Digital streaming, and while the price is yet to be disclosed, it is estimated to reach around 18 billion for broadcast rights and 6 billion for live streaming.

Reportedly, another news channel was interested in acquiring the media rights, but they were blacklisted by the PCB, and thus, the field is clear for the PSL franchise to make a solid bid to secure the media rights.

Also Read: PSL Auction 2026 Players List, Sold, Unsold, Highest Paid, All Team Squad, Price List

Two new teams added in PSL, matches increased

Last season, Pakistan’s premium tournament, PSL, featured 34 matches, but with two new teams added, the competition could have 44 games, 10 extra from last season. With two new franchises added, and more matches this season, the PSL broadcast deal could be a lucrative one for whoever buys.

In January 2026, PSL conducted auctions to buy the two new franchises for next season, and the league got Hyderabad Kingsmen and Sialkot Stallionz. The Stallionz is owned by OZ Developers, while the Hyderabad team was acquired by FKS Group.

PSL conducted its first-ever mega auction

Earlier this month, the PSL conducted a mega auction as several key players were put on the auction table as they went under the hammer. Steve Smith, the Australian star batter, became the most expensive player as he was bought for a whopping PKR 14 crore by Sialkot Stallionz.

A total of 38 foreigners were sold, of which five were from the Associate teams. Apart from Smith, Daryl Mitchell also went for a hefty price as the Kiwi star was sold for a huge 8.05 crore.

Apart from Mitchell, David Warner, another Aussie, was sold for 7.9 crore, and was bought by the Karachi Kings side.

Also Read: CSK Wicket-Keeper Injured Just Before IPL 2026, Team To Take Replacement?