The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is tightening the commercial framework of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), introducing sweeping restrictions that will ban teams from associating with sponsors tied to betting, alcohol, tobacco, or any other un-Islamic or culturally inappropriate products.
According to a report by Tribune’s Salim Khaliq, the board has finalized a set of revised sponsorship guidelines that will be enforced through new franchise agreements, reflecting PCB’s intensified efforts to uphold the league’s ethical and religious standards.
Gambling and alcohol are prohibited in Islam, while tobacco is not.
Surrogate ads targeted amid growing concerns
Over recent PSL seasons, several teams were found exploiting advertising loopholes, promoting gambling-related brands through surrogate methods — subtly altering company names to bypass direct restrictions. The issue came to a head when Multan Sultans captain Mohammad Rizwan took a public stand by covering a controversial sponsor’s logo with a sticker during a match.
The incident prompted immediate government intervention and forced the PCB to shut down such practices. With the new guidelines, the board has moved to close those loopholes permanently, banning all forms of indirect promotions that conflict with Pakistan’s laws and cultural sensibilities.
Explicit clauses in franchise contracts
Under the revised terms, future franchise agreements will reportedly include detailed prohibitions against advertising any products associated with betting, gambling, alcohol, or tobacco. Moreover, teams will be instructed to avoid sponsors whose messaging contradicts national policy or religious values.
Expanding the PSL footprint
With the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, 2026, the PCB is also preparing to expand the league’s footprint. While traditional venues such as Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan remain on the schedule, new host cities — including Faisalabad and Muzaffarabad — are being evaluated for inclusion.
The board has confirmed that the auction for two new franchises will take place on January 8, with technical bids opening on December 22. International interest in team ownership reportedly remains high.
