PSL broadcast deal could reach record Rs18 billion

A PSL franchise is likely to bid Rs4.5 billion annually for media rights, potentially making it the biggest deal in Pakistan cricket history.

KARACHI: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Feb-20, 2026) A record-breaking broadcast deal in Pakistan cricket history appears increasingly likely, with the potential to add billions of rupees to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) treasury. A Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise has reportedly shown interest in paying Rs4.5 billion annually for the league’s broadcast rights. If finalized, the four-year agreement could be worth up to Rs18 billion.

According to details, the Pakistan Cricket board had earlier issued an advertisement seeking bids for the four-year media rights of the Pakistan Super League. Several parties expressed interest, including two major sports channels. However, one of the channels allegedly has outstanding dues of Rs4.7 billion, while the other reportedly owes more than Rs600 million.

The PCB had granted both parties time to clear their dues, but payments were not made. Consequently, disqualification notices were issued to them on Friday.

Sources revealed that a company which previously acquired a PSL franchise is also keen to secure the league’s media rights and may submit a record-breaking bid. Some well-informed circles claim the annual offer could reach Rs4.5 billion, amounting to Rs18 billion over four years. Additionally, bids for live streaming rights could go as high as Rs7 billion. If realized, this would mark the largest deal in Pakistan cricket history.

To prevent alleged collusion among channels, the PCB has not allowed consortium bidding this time. If successful, the interested company may potentially use the national broadcaster’s platform for airing matches.

The PCB had invited tenders for both broadcast and live streaming rights of the PSL in Pakistan. Companies were allowed to bid for either or both categories. The bid security for each category has been set at Rs100 million, which will be adjusted for the winning bidder and refunded to unsuccessful parties. Although the reserve price has not been officially disclosed, cautious estimates suggest it could be around Rs18 billion.

For live streaming, the reserve price is expected to be up to Rs6 billion. Last year, 34 PSL matches were held. With the addition of two new teams, the number of matches will increase to 44. The extra 10 matches per year effectively make this four-year deal comparable in value to a previous five-year cycle.

Another media channel participating in the current bidding process had previously been blacklisted, and industry insiders believe it is unlikely to place a competitive bid, leaving the PSL franchise as the apparent frontrunner.

Under existing regulations, after deducting production costs, any broadcast deal exceeding Rs3 billion will allocate $500,000 from the additional revenue for contracts with iconic foreign cricketers. The remaining surplus will be distributed with 80 percent going to the PCB and 20 percent to the franchises.

Last year, production expenses exceeded Rs1 billion. The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League is scheduled to commence on March 26.