The Pakistan Super League's (PSL) franchise auction for the 2026 season transformed into a memorable spectacle, thanks largely to the charismatic presence of legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram. Conducting the proceedings in New Delhi on Thursday, Akram infused the high-pressure bidding war, where millions of dollars were at stake, with his signature wit and humor, creating moments of levity that resonated across social media.
Akram's Auction Antics and Multi-Million Dollar Deals
At a pivotal moment, noticing a bidder's hesitation, Akram quipped in Urdu, "Balance toh khatam nahi ho gaya?" (Has your balance not run out?), eliciting laughter from the room. Reports and social media chatter later suggested the potential bidder in question was from Jazz, Pakistan's major telecom provider, who ultimately decided against placing a bid.
The auction culminated in the successful sale of two new franchises, marking a significant expansion of the PSL to eight teams. The Sialkot franchise was secured by OZ Developers, a real estate consortium, for a substantial Rs 1.85 billion (approximately $6.55 million or INR 58.38 crore). Simultaneously, the US-based FKS Group won the rights to the Hyderabad team for Rs 1.75 billion (about $6.2 million or INR 55.57 crore). In total, the two new teams fetched a combined $12.75 million (roughly INR 114 crore). These new entrants are slated to join the competition when the next PSL season kicks off on March 26.
Controversy and Commentary: Akram's Take on League Duration
Akram's role as auctioneer came amidst a recent buzz generated by his comments on the ideal length of T20 leagues. Speaking at a PSL promotional event, the former cricket star praised the PSL's concise schedule and took a subtle dig at longer tournaments, notably without naming the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has served as a coach and commentator.
"The best thing about the league is that it is played for only about 34-35 days," Akram stated. "It's not like three months, like the other league. Bacchey bade ho jate hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti (Children grow up by the time that league ends). Foreign players prefer to be here for 35-40 days. More than that is a bit too long for everyone. Even I get bored."
He bolstered his argument by citing Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) as a prime example. "They started off with two-and-a-half months. They realised after four or five years it wasn't working. Now their duration is about 40 days. That's the beauty of the PSL," he added. Akram also emphasized the league's high-quality talent, claiming that overseas players he converses with rank PSL bowling as "definitely No. 1" in terms of quality over quantity.
Fallout and Future of the Expanded PSL
These remarks sparked mixed reactions online, with many fans criticizing the comparison, especially given Akram's deep ties to the IPL. Meanwhile, the auction also saw developments concerning existing teams. The Multan Sultans will be managed by the Pakistan Cricket Board for the upcoming season before being put up for sale after the PSL concludes in April. Former owner Ali Tareen, who had public disagreements with the PSL management, was among ten approved bidders but withdrew at the last moment.
The successful auction and expansion signal a growth phase for the PSL, bringing new cities and investment into the fold. With Akram's blend of showmanship and candid commentary setting the tone, the league continues to carve its unique identity in the crowded global T20 calendar, promising an exciting eight-team showdown in 2026.
