As the Pakistan Super League (PSL) moves closer to expanding from six to eight teams, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has completed the technical evaluation process and confirmed four bidding groups for the two new franchises.
The auction for the new teams is scheduled to take place on January 8, 2026, at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, marking a major milestone in the league’s next phase of growth.
Tareen Group
The Tareen Group, led by businessman Ali Khan Tareen, is among the confirmed bidders. Tareen previously owned Multan Sultans, a franchise he helped transform into one of the most competitive sides in the PSL after acquiring it in 2018.
During his tenure, Multan won the PSL 2021 title and reached several finals. However, tensions between Tareen and the PCB escalated over the past year, primarily over franchise renewal terms, governance issues, and transparency concerns.
Tareen openly criticized the board and was the only franchise owner not offered a 10-year extension, a situation that worsened after the PCB issued a legal notice alleging contract violations — claims he publicly denied. In late 2026, Tareen announced he would step away from Multan Sultans, clearing the path for him to bid for a new franchise.
Inverex Solar Energy
Inverex Group, a leading player in Pakistan’s renewable energy sector, has also entered the bidding race. Founded in 2007 by Muhammad Zakir Ali, the company specializes in solar panels, inverters, battery storage, and integrated energy solutions.
Inverex has gained nationwide recognition for promoting clean energy across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors and is one of the earliest corporate entrants into the PSL expansion process.
VGO TEL
Karachi-based VGO TEL, led by CEO Naveed Gaba, has submitted its bid application as well. Established in 2007, the telecom brand focuses on affordable smartphones and feature phones designed for the local market.
VGO TEL already has experience with the league, having served as a PSL sponsor and official smartphone partner, giving it an existing footprint in Pakistan’s cricket ecosystem.
OZ Group
The fourth confirmed bidder is OZ Group, chaired by Hamza Majeed. The diversified conglomerate operates across multiple sectors including real estate, technology, trading, and food services.
With operations spanning Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, and the UAE, OZ Group brings international exposure and business depth to the bidding field. The company has also shown prior involvement in sports-related ventures.
Once the successful bidders are finalized, franchise owners will be allowed to select a home city from a PCB-approved list that includes Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit.
