PSL Franchise Row Erupts as Owners Spar Over Rs 185 Crore Expansion Bid

Pakistan, Feb 21 : The Pakistan Super League dispute has intensified with ownership conflicts surfacing in at least two franchises, putting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) under pressure.

According to sources familiar with the matter, tensions have erupted within the newly acquired Sialkot franchise over majority shareholding. Businessman Muhammad Shahid has reportedly filed a complaint with PSL CEO Salman Naseer, claiming he owns 76 per cent of the team’s shares while minority partners holding 24 per cent are attempting to sell equity without his approval.

Shahid, who resides overseas, has also released a video alleging that the minority stakeholders are negotiating deals beyond their shareholding limits and without his consent.

The Sialkot team was purchased for Pakistan Rs 185 crore by a consortium that includes Kamil Khan. However, sources indicate Khan is not directly linked to the current ownership disagreement.

In a separate development, a dispute has also emerged within the Lahore Qalandars franchise. Fawad Rana, one of the original stakeholders, has approached PSL authorities after securing a court ruling in his favour. Court documents suggest he filed a petition against his brothers, Atif Rana and Sameer Rana, alleging they transferred shares belonging to his company without his knowledge.

The legal tussles come shortly after the league expanded from six to eight teams. Earlier this year, two new franchises were inducted following a competitive bidding process. A real estate consortium and a US-based aviation and healthcare group secured the new teams for a combined $12.75 million.

OZ Developers acquired the Sialkot franchise for $6.55 million, while FKS Group from the United States won the Hyderabad franchise for approximately $6.2 million.

With multiple ownership claims now under scrutiny, the PCB faces the challenge of stabilising governance structures as the league prepares for its expanded season.