New PSL Teams to Increase India-Pakistan Tensions: Here's Why

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to introduce a new team in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). As per the reports in the Pakistan media, it is learned that the governing body is all set to add two new teams from the next edition of the tournament. This comes after the issues between PCB and the franchise, Multan Sultans got intensified, and the issue between the two parties is yet to be resolved. The 2021 PSL winners are awaiting the renewal offer letter, and this came as a surprise, as the other five franchises – Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators got the offer.

The PCB recently started the sale of two new PSL teams. The development was confirmed by the chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, on his Twitter account, saying that they have begun the process, and the deadline for submission is 15th December 2025. Naqvi stated,

Faisalabad and Gilgit Likely to be Two New PSL Teams

The reports in the Pakistani media claimed that Faisalabad and Gilgit are likely to be the two new PSL teams. Overall, six teams in Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Rawalpindi, along with these two teams, submitted their bids as well, but Faisalabad and Gilgit are likely to get a nod ahead. This step will help PSL to become one of the biggest cricket leagues in the world.

With Gilgit, which is from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, likely to be there for the PSL, this might see tensions flare up between India and Pakistan. The two nations, since May 2025, have taken new heights, especially with war unfolding between them. With PoK always being a controversial issue, the addition of the Gilgit franchise might see India taking some action. With Pakistan also being firm, the issue might become one of the trending topics in the world.

BCCI and PCB Involved in a Controversy

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), since the Asia Cup 2025, have been part of a controversy as well. After the match between the greatest rivalry in cricket, India beat Pakistan in the final, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side refused to take the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Asian Cricket Council Chairman.

As a result of that, Naqvi took the Asia Cup 2025 trophy away from the ground and locked it in the ACC office. Meetings between ICC, BCCI, and PCB also took place as well but the trophy remains in the custody of the ACC. It remains to be seen when India will get the trophy back. After the operation Sindoor, the two nations have also refused to shake hands with each other.