Islamabad : Pakistan Super League (PSL) has officially entered a new chapter with the announcement that Hyderabad and Sialkot will join the elite Twenty20 competition as the seventh and eighth franchises.
The expansion was celebrated by Natalie Baker, the United States Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan, who welcomed the inclusion of the new teams as a sign of growing investment and engagement in Pakistan’s sporting landscape.
She congratulated the Pakistani nation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the successful bidders at a press event in Islamabad, highlighting American business interest in Pakistan and optimism about stronger bilateral ties.
The landmark expansion came through a high-profile auction held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, where competitive bidding resulted in record franchise fees for the new teams.
The FKS Group, a US-based aviation and healthcare conglomerate, secured the Hyderabad franchise with a winning bid of PKR 1.75 billion, while Pakistani real estate giant OZ Developers clinched the Sialkot team for PKR 1.85 billion, making it the most expensive franchise in PSL history.
Both acquisitions mark a significant commercial milestone for the league as it prepares to grow its footprint ahead of the 2026 season.
With these additions, the PSL will expand from six to eight teams for its 11th season, scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 3, 2026.
The new structure reflects the PCB’s long-term strategy to enhance the league’s competitiveness and appeal, while also broadening regional representation in Pakistan’s premier T20 tournament.
Hyderabad and Sialkot join established franchises such as Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans.
The presence of Hyderabad and Sialkot in the PSL is expected to resonate strongly with local fans. Both cities have passionate cricket followings and deep ties to the sport’s culture in Pakistan, with Sialkot particularly renowned as a hub of sports goods manufacturing and a historic cricketing heartland.
The expansion has sparked enthusiasm among supporters who anticipate heightened local engagement and new rivalries once the season gets underway.
Domestic cricket figures have also welcomed the development. Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed publicly applauded the PCB’s efforts and congratulated the new franchise owners for their successful bids.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
