rki.news
Sources PCB

Islamabad, 9 January 2026 — The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the successful conclusion of the HBL Pakistan Super League Teams Auction 2026, resulting in the induction of two new franchises and marking a major milestone in the league’s continued expansion.
Following a competitive and transparent auction process held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad, Hyderabad and Sialkot have been awarded the seventh and eighth HBL PSL franchises respectively, officially expanding the league to eight teams.
The live auction drew strong interest from the investment community, with nine bidders participating, reflecting the HBL PSL’s growing commercial strength, global appeal, and long-term sustainability. The addition of franchises from Hyderabad and Sialkot further strengthens the league’s national footprint and reinforces PCB’s commitment to regional representation, inclusivity, and fan engagement across Pakistan.
In the first round, the base price for the seventh team was set at PKR 110 crore. After an intense bidding process, the US-based FKS Group, led by Mr. Fawad Sarwar, secured the franchise with a winning bid of PKR 1.75 billion and selected Hyderabad as their representative city.
The second round saw the base price for the eighth team set at PKR 170 crore, generating strong investor interest and prompting two strategic timeouts. Ultimately, OZ Group, led by Mr. Hamza Majeed, acquired the eighth franchise for PKR 1.85 billion and chose Sialkot.
Welcoming the new franchise owners, PCB Chairman Mr. Mohsin Naqvi described the expansion as a landmark moment for Pakistan cricket, noting that the inclusion of Hyderabad and Sialkot would strengthen competition and further elevate the league’s global stature.
HBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Mr. Salman Naseer said the competitive auction reflected investors’ confidence in the league’s vision and growth. He highlighted the rich sporting heritage and passionate fan bases of both cities, expressing optimism for an even more compelling PSL experience ahead.
Franchise owners from both Hyderabad and Sialkot expressed pride and enthusiasm in joining the HBL PSL, committing to professional management, innovation, and contributing positively to Pakistan cricket.
With the addition of the two new teams, the HBL PSL enters a new phase of growth and opportunity. The PCB and HBL PSL management will work closely with the new franchises to ensure seamless integration ahead of HBL PSL 11 and future seasons.