Pakistan is set to welcome a new era in its sporting landscape with the launch of the Premier Padel League of Pakistan (PPLP) on January 5, 2026. The competition will feature a prize pool of PKR 30 million (approximately $106,000), aiming to revolutionize the sport of padel in the country and provide a structured career pathway for emerging players.
Structure and format of the league
Inspired by the North American Pro Padel League, the PPLP will host tournaments across three major cities: Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi. The inaugural leg will begin in the Twin Cities from January to March, followed by Lahore from April to June, and Karachi from July to September. Six franchise teams — Lions, Hawks, Sharks, Stallions, Bulls, and Markhor — will compete in the opening event. Each franchise was sold for over PKR 2.5 million in a recent auction, while player auctions are scheduled for December 22. Teams will consist of 8 to 12 players across three categories: elite, competitive, and developing.
Vision and leadership
Basim Ahmed, Chairman and CEO of PPLP, highlighted the league’s mission to foster growth and sustainability in padel. “Padel is a sport free from many traditional constraints, offering us a unique opportunity to build strong foundations from the outset,” Ahmed said. He outlined a five-year plan to expand the league nationally and regionally, with ambitions to connect Asia and the Gulf states through international competitions. Partnerships with organizations such as the Asia Pacific Padel Tour, Pro Padel League, and the International Padel Federation are also in the pipeline to broaden exposure and opportunities for Pakistani players. Matches will be streamed live through the league’s official partner, myco.
Rising popularity of padel in Pakistan
Padel has seen rapid growth in Pakistan, with an estimated 50,000 amateur players and more than 350 courts nationwide. The introduction of the Premier Padel League marks a significant step toward professionalizing the sport, offering new opportunities for athletes, investors, and fans. By combining local enthusiasm with international collaboration, the PPLP aims to establish Pakistan as a competitive hub for padel in the region.
