Mohsin Naqvi Claims PSL Will Become World’s No.1 Cricket League Overtaking IPL

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi expresses strong confidence in PSL’s growth, claiming it will soon surpass IPL as the top cricket league globally.

Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board, has made a bold statement regarding the future of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He believes the league is on a strong growth trajectory and will soon overtake the Indian Premier League (IPL) to become the world’s leading franchise competition.

Speaking during a Board of Governors meeting in Lahore, Naqvi pointed to increasing investor interest as a key indicator of PSL’s rapid development and rising global appeal.

“The PSL has now become the best market for investment. The time is not far when the PSL will become the world’s number one league,” Naqvi said after a board meeting in Lahore as quoted by Gulf News.

Expansion and Financial Growth Strengthen PSL

The PSL has recently undergone a major expansion, growing from six to eight teams. New franchises from Sialkot and Hyderabad have been introduced, attracting significant investment during the auction process.

OZ Developers secured the Sialkot franchise for PKR 1.85 billion, naming it Sialkot Stallionz, while FKS Group acquired the Hyderabad team for PKR 1.75 billion, calling it Hyderabad Kingsmen. Additionally, the PCB approved its audited financial statements for the 2024-25 cycle, reflecting stability and structured growth behind the scenes.

Challenges Remain Despite Positive Momentum

Despite the optimism, the PSL continues to face several hurdles. The 2026 season is being held under restrictions, with matches limited to Lahore and Karachi and played without crowds due to a fuel crisis.

In comparison, the IPL continues to operate across multiple venues with packed stadiums and a massive global audience. Since its launch in 2008, the IPL has built a significant financial advantage, often offering contracts that far exceed PSL deals.

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Another challenge for PSL is retaining top international talent. Several players initially linked with PSL, including Blessing Muzarabani, Dasun Shanaka, and Spencer Johnson, have opted to participate in the IPL instead, highlighting the financial and competitive gap that still exists between the two leagues.

While PSL’s growth is evident, bridging this gap will be crucial if it is to fulfill Naqvi’s ambitious vision of becoming the world’s number one cricket league.