Sialkot and Hyderabad join as PSL becomes eight-team affair

Sialkot and Hyderabad have joined the Pakistan Super League (PSL), making it an eight-team affair from 2026 onwards.

FKS, a US-based aviation and healthcare company, acquired Hyderabad for PKR 1.75 billion (USD 6.2 million), whereas OZ Developers, a real estate consortium, purchased Sialkot for PKR 1.85 billion (USD 6.55 million).

"I still can't believe [we're owners of a PSL team]," Fawad Sarwar said at a press conference following the auction as reported by ESPNCricinfo. "This is a childhood dream. We all started playing street cricket and backyard cricket, practicing in front of the mirror, trying to be the next big thing. I'm very proud, and I'd like to thank everyone who put us in a position to come where we are today."

"God gave us the chance to be successful," Hamza Majeed, the OZ group CEO, said. "As an overseas Pakistani, it's everyone's dream to do something for Pakistan. Cricket runs in our blood. I'm looking forward to this PSL. Get ready, Sialkot. Sialkot had its own airport, its own airline. Now it's got its cricket team. The Sialkot sports industry will be elevated by our PSL team, and we'd love to win this title in PSL XI."

Notably, Multan Sultans will be operated by the Pakistan Cricket Board after their owner, Ali Tareen, walked out at the end of 2025, following a conflict with the PSL management.

PSL set to clash with IPL in 2026

The Pakistan Super League will clash with the Indian Premier League for the second consecutive year. Both T20 leagues are set to get underway on March 26, following the conclusion of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. While the PSL will run till May 3, the IPL is expected to conclude on May 31.

Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars won the previous iteration of the PSL by defeating Quetta Gladiators by six wickets in the final. It was Qalandars' third PSL title, following their consecutive triumphs in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.