PSL Ownership Disputes and Pakistani Player Exclusions

The Pakistan Cricket Board is grappling with ownership disputes in its flagship Pakistan Super League while Pakistani players face potential exclusion from key international franchise competitions, raising concerns about governance and inclusivity in global cricket.

In the PSL, which is expanding to an eight-team format for its upcoming season from March 26 to May 3, 2026, two franchises have become embroiled in shareholder conflicts. Reports indicate that Muhammad Shahid, a businessman based overseas, has filed a complaint with PSL CEO Salman Naseer, asserting ownership of 76 percent of the shares in the newly acquired Sialkot Stallionz franchise. The team was purchased for 185 crore Pakistani rupees by a consortium led by Kamil Khan, a relative of a former Pakistan captain, though Khan is not involved in the dispute. Shahid alleges that his partners, holding the remaining 24 percent, are attempting to sell stakes without his consent and are negotiating deals beyond their entitlement. In a social media video, Shahid called for PCB intervention to resolve the matter and prevent unauthorized transactions.

Separately, Fawad Rana, a longtime stakeholder in the Lahore Qalandars, one...