Wasim Akram to promote league and attend auction of two new teams
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former Pakistan captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram as the brand ambassador of the HBL Pakistan Super League, a move aimed at strengthening the league’s image as it prepares for a major expansion phase.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the decision during a press conference in Lahore, stating that Akram will play an active role in promoting the PSL and will be present at the auction of two new franchises scheduled for January 8 in Islamabad.
Focus on Franchise Expansion
Naqvi said the PCB is fully focused on the upcoming auction, noting strong interest from investors both locally and internationally. He expressed confidence that the two new teams would be sold at competitive prices, reflecting the league’s growing commercial value.
According to the PCB chairman, 10 parties have qualified to participate in the bidding process after a technical evaluation of proposals submitted by interested investors. The auction will take place at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.
Multan Sultans Ownership Update
Naqvi also revealed that the Multan Sultans franchise will be auctioned after the conclusion of the upcoming PSL season. Until then, the team will be operated directly by the PCB during PSL 11.
Clarifying ownership rules, he said that if Ali Tareen succeeds in bidding for a new franchise, he would be eligible to own that team under the league’s regulations.
PSL Schedule Under Review
Discussing the tournament calendar, the PCB chairman said the board is considering starting the next edition of the PSL on March 23 instead of March 26. He added that a final decision will be taken after consultation with all franchise owners.
PCB Raises ICC Conduct Concerns
Touching on international cricket matters, Naqvi disclosed that the PCB has formally written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding what it termed inappropriate conduct by Indian players during the Under-19 Asia Cup.
He remarked that if Indian players are unwilling to shake hands with Pakistani players, “we too are not eager for handshakes,” underscoring PCB’s stance on mutual respect in international competition.
Auction Details and Team Options
Earlier, the PCB confirmed that 12 proposals were received from bidders across the globe for the two new PSL franchises. After a transparent evaluation process, 10 bidders met the technical criteria and advanced to the auction stage.
Successful bidders at the January 8 auction will have the right to choose their franchise names from the following cities: Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad and Sialkot.
Why Wasim Akram Matters for PSL
Appointing Wasim Akram as PSL brand ambassador is a strategic move rather than a ceremonial one. Akram’s global stature, credibility, and association with elite fast bowling give the league instant international recognition at a time when PCB is seeking higher franchise valuations and broader global appeal.
As PSL competes with other international leagues for viewership and investment, a universally respected cricketing icon can help bridge trust gaps with sponsors, broadcasters and overseas investors. This appointment signals PCB’s intent to professionalise branding while leveraging legacy figures to drive future growth.
Conclusion
With Wasim Akram onboard as brand ambassador and franchise expansion underway, the PCB is entering a crucial phase for the Pakistan Super League. The coming weeks marked by franchise auctions, scheduling decisions and branding efforts will play a decisive role in shaping PSL’s next chapter. The success of this strategy will ultimately depend on whether commercial growth is matched by strong governance and competitive cricket.