The PSL journey to 200 crores
The eight-team tournament is set to begin in March
Saleem Khaliq
January 04, 2026
The HBL Pakistan Super League is expanding to eight teams this season. Photo: PCB/ File
KARACHI: Many years ago, one of my former bosses came to the office and shared an amusing story that still makes me laugh whenever I recall it.
One day, he was on his way to the office when the bus he was riding was stopped by traffic police. Since he was getting late, he decided to step out and try to resolve the issue himself. He called a senior officer, who instructed the traffic warden to let the bus go. While he was still on the call, the bus drove away leaving him behind. He had to take a rickshaw to the office.
The lesson — never try to board a moving bus is something our elders often advised, but sometimes even elders make mistakes. A similar thing happened recently when Najam Sethi tweeted about a former cricketer’s issue, perhaps without knowing all the details. Later, the player’s matter was resolved, but Sethi’s unnecessary involvement strained his relations with the current PCB management.
Leaving that aside, the main point is: if the Pakistan Super League (PSL) exists today, a large share of the credit goes to Najam Sethi. He worked tirelessly to launch it. A decade ago, when it came time to sell team franchises, people like Atif Rana, Sameen Rana, Javed Afridi, Nadeem Omar, Salman Iqbal, and Ali Naqvi stepped forward.
At that time, no one knew whether the league would succeed, what the TV rights would fetch, or whether foreign players would come but despite the uncertainty, these people took the risk. Sethi had to go through great struggles to make it happen. No one even wanted to buy the Quetta Gladiators franchise then.
Honestly, I myself told someone that the venture might not prove commercially viable but I was wrong. And I say that with pride, not regret, because a Pakistani project succeeded spectacularly.
The teams that started for a few crores are now worth billions. Thanks to the PSL, boys who once relied on pocket money from their fathers are now earning in crores. Their lifestyles have transformed they see themselves as superstars. PCB’s marketing and other staff have also prospered; some have even built farmhouses and moved on.
Many made big money when the league was hosted in Dubai. Stakeholders and investors profited, too. Even today, people organize tours under the PSL name.
After completing ten successful years, two new teams are now joining the league. There was a time when Najam Sethi struggled to find just five investors now ten parties are ready to invest billions. Fortunately, the PCB is currently led by Mohsin Naqvi, a strong and determined individual who is making continuous, tireless efforts for the betterment of cricket.
