In recent days, social media has been abuzz with rumors suggesting that Mehak Malik, a popular transgender dancer and TikTok star in Pakistan, has purchased the ownership rights to a new Faisalabad-based franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). If true, this would mark a groundbreaking moment for inclusivity in Pakistani sports. However, a closer look reveals these claims are largely unverified and appear to stem from unsubstantiated online chatter. Here’s what we know so far, based on official sources and media reports.
Key Takeaways:
- The rumors about Mehak Malik buying a PSL franchise are unconfirmed and likely premature, as no official sales have occurred yet.
- PSL is indeed expanding to eight teams for the 2026 season, but the auction for new franchises is scheduled for January 6, 2026, meaning no ownership deals are finalized.
- Faisalabad is among the shortlisted cities for new teams, but city names won’t be decided until after December 15, 2025.
- While the story has sparked discussions on transgender representation, evidence suggests it may be driven by misinformation or hype on platforms like X and Instagram.
The Origin of the Rumor
The speculation seems to have started around November 23-26, 2025, with posts on X (formerly Twitter) claiming Malik had “bought the new PSL franchise team” for Faisalabad. These quickly spread, with some users hailing it as a “historic moment” for transgender individuals in sports. By November 28-29, the narrative had gone viral, appearing in YouTube shorts, Instagram reels, and Facebook posts, often without any sourcing. Some even speculated on how her involvement could add “entertainment” to cricket.
PSL’s Official Expansion Plans
To understand why this rumor doesn’t hold up, it’s essential to review the PSL’s actual timeline. The league, which started with five teams in 2016 and added Multan Sultans in 2018, is set to grow to eight teams for PSL 11 in 2026. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the auction for these two new franchises on November 21, 2025, with the event slated for January 6, 2026. The reserve price for each new team is around PKR 1.25 billion (approximately USD 4.5 million), and interest has come from domestic and international investors, including real estate firms and overseas entrepreneurs.
City selections are still pending, with a shortlist including Hyderabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, and Sialkot. The PCB has explicitly stated that decisions on city names will only be made after December 15, 2025, refuting earlier media claims of finalized locations like Gilgit and Faisalabad. Successful bidders will choose from this list.
No Confirmation from Mehak Malik or Officials
Mehak Malik, known for her vibrant performances and massive social media following, has not addressed the rumors on her official X account (@mehakmalik578), where her recent activity shows no mentions of PSL, cricket, or any franchise dealings. Similarly, neither the PCB nor PSL has issued any statements confirming her involvement. Official PSL and PCB websites contain no updates on new ownership, aligning with the pre-auction phase.
Broader Context: Renewals and Challenges
Existing teams are also in flux. Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi have renewed their ownership for another 10 years, with valuations around PKR 980 million and PKR 870 million annually, respectively. Karachi Kings is expected to follow suit, but Multan Sultans’ owner, Ali Tareen, has not received a renewal offer and may exit, potentially affecting the overall landscape. This underscores that the league is focused on structured growth, not ad-hoc sales.
In summary, while the idea of Malik’s involvement excites many for its potential to promote diversity, the facts point to this being a case of social media exaggeration. Fans should await the January auction for real developments.
The Pakistan Super League’s expansion to eight teams in 2026 represents a significant milestone for Pakistani cricket, promising more matches, broader regional representation, and heightened competition. However, amid the excitement, a wave of unverified rumors has emerged, particularly around TikTok sensation Mehak Malik allegedly acquiring the Faisalabad franchise. This article delves deeply into the origins of these claims, the official PSL timeline, potential implications for inclusivity, and why skepticism is warranted, drawing from primary sources like PCB announcements and media analyses.
Tracing the Rumor’s Spread
The story gained traction in late November 2025, primarily through social media platforms. On X, posts from users like @Muhamma35500598 and @sanober_124 declared that “Transgender dancer and TikTok star Mehak Malik has bought the new PSL franchise team” for Faisalabad, framing it as a “historic moment.” Similar narratives appeared on Instagram and Facebook, with reels and videos amplifying the buzz—such as claims of her becoming “PSL’s first transgender team owner.” YouTube shorts and channels like “EventsAndHappeningsSports” further fueled the fire, often presenting it as “massive breaking news” without evidence.
By November 29, outlets like UrduPoint and Minute Mirror reported on the claims but emphasized their unverified nature, noting the absence of statements from PSL or PCB. Threads and other platforms echoed this, with users like @adnan_khan.9 labeling it “unconfirmed.” The rapid spread highlights how social media can turn speculation into perceived fact, especially on topics blending celebrity and sports.
PSL Expansion: Facts from Official Channels
The PSL’s growth is real, but tightly controlled. Launched in 2016, the league added its sixth team (Multan Sultans) in 2018 via a structured bid process. For 2026, the PCB confirmed two new franchises on November 15, 2025, with tenders open for bids. The auction date is January 6, 2026, in Lahore, following technical proposal submissions by December 15, 2025.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of New Teams | 2 (expanding PSL to 8 teams) |
| Auction Date | January 6, 2026 |
| Reserve Price per Team | Approximately PKR 1.25 billion (USD ~4.5 million) |
| Shortlisted Cities | Hyderabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, Sialkot |
| City Decision Timeline | After December 15, 2025; bidders choose from pre-approved list |
| Interested Parties | 5 major Pakistani companies (real estate, solar), 2 US entrepreneurs, UK and European investors |
(Sources: Dawn, ProPakistani, ESPNcricinfo)
Faisalabad is a candidate due to its cricket history and fan base, as noted in past discussions by figures like Misbah-ul-Haq. However, early reports claiming Gilgit and Faisalabad as locked in were debunked by the PCB. Official PSL and PCB sites show no franchise sales yet, confirming the pre-bid stage.
Mehak Malik’s Side: Silence Speaks Volumes
Malik, whose X handle @mehakmalik578 identifies her as an actor and model, has posted nothing about PSL or any franchise. Her feed focuses on personal views, with old cricket-related tweets unrelated to ownership (e.g., supporting Pakistan over cricket in 2019). This lack of engagement, combined with no PCB endorsement, undermines the claims.
Implications and Why It Matters
If verified, Malik’s involvement could symbolize progress for transgender rights in Pakistan, where such communities face marginalization. Supporters on X praised it for bringing “fresh energy” and inclusivity. However, the rumor’s timing—before any auction—suggests it might be misinformation, possibly amplified for clicks or controversy. Some posts carried skeptical or humorous tones, like @CptFiasal’s quip about cricket becoming “more entertaining.”
Existing ownership renewals add context: Lahore Qalandars (PKR 980M valuation) and Peshawar Zalmi (PKR 870M) have extended deals, while Multan Sultans faces uncertainty. This structured approach contrasts with the rumor’s ad-hoc narrative.
Looking Ahead
As the December 15 deadline nears, watch for official updates from the PCB. Until then, treat such claims with caution—social media buzz doesn’t equal fact. For accurate PSL news, rely on sources like ESPNcricinfo or Dawn. This episode reminds us of the need for verification in the digital age, especially on topics that could inspire real change.
