9 January 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has received a formal bid for a proposed Hyderabad franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), signalling growing commercial interest in the league even as it explores expansion plans. The development comes at a time when franchise cricket across South Asia is drawing increasing attention, with player salaries and team valuations becoming key talking points. Coincidentally, discussions around the bid have also sparked comparisons between player earnings in the PSL and the Indian Premier League (IPL), particularly the nearly similar salaries of Indian stars Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer in the IPL.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the PCB has been evaluating proposals to expand the PSL by adding new teams, with Hyderabad emerging as one of the potential host cities. The bid reportedly reflects confidence in the league’s brand value and its ability to attract sponsors, broadcasters, and fans despite economic challenges and intense competition from other global T20 leagues.
The Hyderabad franchise is expected to strengthen the PSL’s footprint in Pakistan, bringing professional cricket to a new market and creating additional commercial opportunities. PCB officials have indicated that any expansion would be carefully planned, ensuring financial sustainability and competitive balance. While the board has not yet confirmed when a final decision will be taken, the receipt of a bid suggests that investor interest remains strong.
The news has also reignited discussions around the economics of franchise cricket, particularly when compared with the IPL. In recent seasons, IPL salaries have soared, with top Indian players commanding multi-crore contracts. Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, both established Indian internationals and team leaders, have attracted significant attention due to their comparable earnings, highlighting how elite Indian players continue to be among the highest-paid cricketers in the world.
Pant, known for his aggressive batting and match-winning ability, has remained one of the most valuable players in the IPL despite injury setbacks. Shreyas Iyer, praised for his leadership and consistency in the middle order, has also secured a salary in a similar range, reflecting the premium placed on Indian talent. Their earnings underline the IPL’s financial dominance and the league’s ability to generate massive revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and fan engagement.
In contrast, the PSL operates on a more modest financial scale. Player salaries in the PSL are structured into fixed categories with capped payments, ensuring cost control and parity among franchises. While this limits earning potential compared to the IPL, it has helped the PSL maintain financial stability and attract international players seeking competitive cricket exposure.
The bid for the Hyderabad team highlights the PCB’s ambition to grow the PSL’s commercial value gradually rather than through rapid, high-risk expansion. Adding a new franchise could increase match inventory, boost local engagement, and open up new sponsorship streams. However, it also comes with challenges, including infrastructure readiness, scheduling, and maintaining the quality of competition.
Cricket analysts note that the timing of the bid is significant. With the global T20 calendar becoming increasingly crowded, leagues must differentiate themselves to remain attractive to investors and players. The PSL has positioned itself as a competitive, well-organised tournament with strong fan support, particularly for its homegrown talent.
Comparisons between the IPL and PSL, though inevitable, highlight the contrasting models of the two leagues. The IPL’s massive financial muscle allows franchises to spend heavily on star players, while the PSL’s controlled approach focuses on sustainability and talent development. Both models have their merits, and the success of each league is shaped by its domestic market and governance structure.
For the PCB, securing credible investors for a Hyderabad franchise would be a strategic win. It would demonstrate confidence in the league’s future and provide momentum for further reforms and growth initiatives. The board is reportedly conducting due diligence to ensure that any new franchise owner has the financial strength and long-term commitment required.
Meanwhile, the discussion around Pant and Iyer’s similar IPL salaries serves as a reminder of the financial gulf between the IPL and other leagues. It also underscores the value of marquee players in driving viewership and commercial success. For young cricketers, these comparisons highlight the opportunities available at the top level, while also illustrating the importance of strong domestic leagues in nurturing talent.
As the PCB reviews the bid and weighs its expansion options, fans and stakeholders will be watching closely. Whether the Hyderabad team becomes a reality or not, the interest itself reflects the PSL’s growing stature. At the same time, salary comparisons with IPL stars continue to fuel debate about the economics of modern cricket and the evolving landscape of franchise leagues.
Summary
The PCB has received a bid for a proposed PSL Hyderabad team, highlighting investor interest, while comparisons with IPL salaries of Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer underline the financial gap between leagues.