By Asif Naveed
LAHORE (MNN); Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators have extended their franchise rights for another decade, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday.
The renewals were finalised at valuations set by global audit firm Ernst & Young following what the PCB described as a transparent and comprehensive review process. The agreements come as the league prepares to expand to eight teams for its 11th edition next year.
Lahore Qalandars — the tournament’s most valuable franchise and winners of three of the last four seasons under ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi — were among the first to renew their rights.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said he was pleased that the Qalandars would continue with their current ownership. He praised owners Atif Rana and Sameen Rana for transforming the team into a household name in Pakistan and a respected global brand.
Peshawar Zalmi, one of the PSL’s most popular teams and the 2017 champions, also renewed their 10-year rights. Led by owner Javed Afridi, the franchise has built one of the strongest fan followings in the league and was the most-watched team during the previous PSL season, according to the PCB.
Mohsin commended Javed Afridi’s dedication, professionalism and passion, saying his leadership had been instrumental in making Zalmi one of Pakistan’s most dynamic and admired sports brands. He added that Afridi’s decision to renew reflected strong confidence in the PSL’s future growth.
