The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially decided to bring Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, announcing that Muzaffarabad cricket stadium will become one of the venues for the league’s upcoming edition.
The development was revealed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi during a high-profile PSL roadshow at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Speaking at the event, Naqvi said the board had already initiated the groundwork to prepare the Muzaffarabad venue according to international standards. He stressed that the PCB is determined to build the stadium into a world-class cricket facility capable of hosting top-level competitions.
“We are going to develop the Muzaffarabad cricket stadium in the best possible way,” Naqvi said, adding that the city naturally supports such an initiative with the presence of high-quality five-star hotels and other amenities required for international players and officials.
Naqvi further highlighted that this expansion is not limited to PSL matches alone. The board also intends to bring international cricket to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. “Along with PSL fixtures, other international matches will also be hosted in AJK,” he confirmed. However, he did not disclose how many PSL games will be allocated to the new venue in the next season.
The move marks one of the most significant expansions in the league’s history. Since its inception in 2016 with five franchises, the PSL has grown steadily, adding a sixth team and building a strong fan base both locally and abroad. Now, the tournament is set for an even bigger transformation. Beginning next year, the 11th edition of the PSL will feature two additional teams, raising the total number of franchises to eight—its first major restructuring in seven years.
Hosting PSL games in Muzaffarabad is expected to boost cricket development in the region, promote tourism, and provide fans in AJK a unique opportunity to experience premier cricket action firsthand. The PCB’s initiative also aligns with its broader aim to decentralize cricket events and bring the sport closer to fans across Pakistan’s diverse regions.
Further announcements regarding match schedules and the extent of Muzaffarabad’s inclusion in the league are expected in the coming months as preparations continue.
