PSL CEO mocks IPL for valuation drop, claims Pakistan’s league is superior

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday, October 29, confirmed that Habib Bank Limited (HBL) will remain the title sponsor of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for the next two seasons. With the announcement, the T20 tournament will continue to be known as HBL PSL for at least two more editions.

HBL retained the title sponsorship for the next two seasons with a 505% higher bid, extending its long-standing association. The decision was finalized during a Pakistan Cricket Board meeting on October 29. HBL remains the only brand to have held the PSL title sponsorship since the league’s launch in 2016.

Their Valuation Is Going Down - PSL CEO on IPL

PSL CEO Salman Naseer compared the valuations of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He stated that while the IPL’s overall valuation is declining, the PSL is growing.

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"If you look at it, their valuation is going down while ours is going up," the CEO stated.

The IPL’s valuation has reportedly dropped by around 8% to approximately $8.8 billion due to challenges in the media and gaming sectors. In contrast, the PSL’s valuation has increased after a significant surge in global viewership.

We Sit Together and Solve Them Among Ourselves - PSL CEO

Salman Naseer addressed concerns surrounding the Multan Sultans, saying that any internal matters within the franchise are resolved collectively and privately. He emphasized that the league and its teams function like a family.

"When there are issues in the family, we sit together and solve them among ourselves."

Multan Sultans, recently in the spotlight after owner Ali Tareen’s sarcastic apology to the PCB, have now taken a constructive approach by proposing reforms to enhance the professionalism and governance of the Pakistan Super League.

In a letter to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Tareen acknowledged the recent friction between the two sides. He urged for a more transparent and accountable system.

The franchise presented a four-point plan focused on including franchise input in PSL committees, adopting structured hiring for key roles, implementing a professional management model, and improving information sharing between the PCB and team owners.

PSL Will Continue With Or Without Anyone - PSL CEO

The PSL CEO stated that the Pakistan Super League’s progress is unstoppable and not dependent on any individual. He emphasized that the tournament will continue to thrive and grow, regardless of who is involved, as it continues to reach new milestones each season.

"PSL will continue with or without anyone. The league won’t stop because of one person. It’s reaching new heights, and no one can stop it."

The 11th season of the Pakistan Super League is likely to be rescheduled to April or May 2026 due to the ICC World Cup, and there will be a schedule overlap with the Indian Premier League.

In the previous edition, Lahore Qalandars clinched the title after defeating Quetta Gladiators in the final. The victory was Lahore’s third title, placing them alongside Islamabad United as the most successful teams in PSL history.

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