Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram, Mohsin Naqvi, Babar Azam and Haris Rauf headline landmark event.
LONDON — The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 ceremony made history at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Tuesday, uniting the country’s top cricketing figures in a celebration of the league’s global influence and rapid evolution.
What Happened at Lord’s?
The event showcased a star-studded panel featuring:
- PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi,
- Former PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja,
- Cricket legend Wasim Akram,
along with Pakistan’s leading players and PSL officials.
A lively crowd at Lord’s witnessed a series of speeches, reflections and musical performances, marking one of the PSL’s most high-profile international showcases to date.
Why Was This Ceremony Important?
The 2026 edition represents the league’s deepest footprint in global cricket. The PSL used the platform to:
- Highlight its international reach,
- Showcase its commitment to developing Pakistani talent,
- Announce expansion plans with two new teams,
- Reinforce the PSL’s ambition to become the top T20 league in the world.
Ramiz Raja: “A Proud Moment for All Pakistanis”
Ramiz Raja said hosting a PSL event at the home of cricket was symbolic of Pakistan’s rising stature.
“A proud moment for all Pakistanis… Seeing PSL showcased at Lord’s shows how far we’ve come,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenge of scheduling overlaps with the IPL, but noted that competition has pushed PSL to strengthen its identity.
Wasim Akram: “PSL Is Growing Bigger Every Year”
Wasim Akram highlighted PSL’s key role in discovering new talent:
“I really enjoy the PSL and I’m looking forward to the next season… If the team loses today, it will win tomorrow,” he advised new franchise owners, urging patience.
Mohsin Naqvi: PSL Will Be the World’s No. 1 League
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi outlined the board’s expanded vision:
- Upgrade High Performance Centres in Lahore and Karachi
- Further modernize player development programs
- Continue the legacy launched under Najam Sethi
“Our mission is to make PSL the number one league in the world,” he said.
How Is PSL Expanding?
PSL CEO Salman Naseer called the Lord’s ceremony a major milestone, revealing that the bidding process for two new PSL franchises is officially open, marking the league’s biggest expansion since inception.
“The PSL is Pakistan’s most successful sporting product,” he said.
Players Praise PSL’s Impact on Their Careers
Babar Azam
“The PSL has given Pakistan cricket a positive image worldwide… Senior players helped me grow, and the league remains a strong platform for young talent.”
Sahibzada Farhan
“Domestic cricket builds you — PSL accelerates your growth by allowing you to learn from international stars.”
Haris Rauf
“PSL came at crucial turning points in my career. It prepared me for the honor of playing for Pakistan.”
Special Touch: Ali Zafar Electrifies Lord’s
Adding to the festive atmosphere, singer Ali Zafar delivered a high-energy performance of the PSL anthem, drawing roars of applause across the historic venue.