LONDON (SNP Report): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday revealed an ambitious and assertive vision for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), declaring his commitment to transforming it into the world’s No.1 franchise cricket league, a goal he insists is ‘not a difficult task’ given the strength of Pakistan’s cricketing ecosystem.
Speaking at a high-profile PSL Roadshow held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, Naqvi addressed a packed panel discussion alongside legendary cricketers Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja, with PSL CEO Salman Naseer moderating. When asked about his roadmap for the league’s future, the PCB chief responded with an unflinching statement of intent. “The vision is simple, to make PSL the top league in the world. With people like Ramiz and Wasim standing beside us, I am confident this is absolutely achievable,” Naqvi affirmed.
He revealed that recent conversations with both former and current national stars, including Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan, along with insights from Ramiz and Wasim, provided ‘exceptional advice’ that he intends to implement as part of PSL’s growth strategy.
Naqvi also shared a personal reflection that added emotional weight to his message. He recalled being among the bidders during the league’s inaugural franchise auction in 2016, a moment where he narrowly missed acquiring a team. Calling it a ‘mistake’ he still regrets, Naqvi used the episode to advise future investors. “Take the risk. Get the team. Ten years from now, you’ll realise how valuable that investment was,” he urged. He noted that franchise valuations have skyrocketed since the early years, a trend he believes will accelerate as PSL expands and strengthens.
The PSL is set for a significant transition next year with the addition of two new franchises ahead of the 11th edition, marking the league’s first major structural expansion in seven years and increasing the total number of teams to eight. Naqvi emphasised that this growth phase will be critical in positioning PSL among the elite leagues globally.
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