Babar Azam Mohsin Naqvi. Image Credits: X
The PSL has been rocked by concerning corruption allegations mere days prior to the launch of the upcoming 2026 season. In a recent podcast, Karachi Kings team director Haider Azhar alleged “under-reporting” in value of certain cricketers during the players’ retention phase.
As per Azhar, a particular player was paid “under the table” by a franchise, even though the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has put strict measures on the ground to curb such corruption from the league.
Karachi Kings director allege corruption before PSL 2026
While interacting on The Relukattay Show in the lead-up to the PSL 2026 season, Karachi Kings team director Haider Azhar made an explosive claim regarding illegal “under the table” payments for players.
In the podcast, he claimed to have heard about a certain player, who was approached by a franchise to play for them for a particular sum.
Even though the player refused the advances, the same cricketer was later acquired by the franchise for a sum of $100k lesser than the original approach, thus raising serious suspicions that the remaining amount may have been settled through undisclosed means outside the official retention framework.
Also Read- PCB Receives Massive Financial Help The Day Pakistan Exits T20 World Cup 2026
The Karachi Kings director also stated that the concern franchise was an existing one, and not any of the two new franchises introduced to the tournament this year.
Watch the video below:
Haider Azhar’s claims have sparked widespread debate among several Pakistan cricket fans ahead of the PSL 2026 season. The claim is explosive, especially given that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has repeatedly asserted it has implemented stringent anti-corruption measures and financial monitoring mechanisms to safeguard the integrity and transparency of the PSL.
PCB kicks out ICC to take full control of anti-corruption in PSL
Just last year during the PSL 2025 season, the PCB cut out the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take full control of the anti-corruption charges in the tournament. Eliminating the role of the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, the PCB appointed its own anti-corruption department to handle all matters of PSL’s integrity monitoring.
As per reports, the PCB employed discreet personnel at team hotels to quietly conduct surveillance on players without drawing attention. The move seemingly worked wonders for the board, as the entire season was played out without attracting any unwanted corruption case or other controversy.
PSL 2026 to usher in a new era
In any case, the upcoming PSL 2026 season is set to usher in a new chapter for the league. The 11th edition of the tournament, the impending season is highlighted with the introduction of two new franchises, as well as the rebranding of the Multan Sultans franchise.
The two new franchises included in the league’s roaster this year are: Hyderabad Kingsmen and Sialkot Stallionz.
Moreover, PSL 2026 is also the first in the history of the league to be played in the aftermath of an auction-based player acquisition model. As per a tentative schedule, the season is scheduled to be played between March 26 and May 10, thus largely coinciding with the rebel IPL 2026 season in India.
Also Read- Revealed- How Much Money Did Pakistan Earn Despite Shambolic T20 World Cup Exit?
