Islamabad-(Mudassar Iqbal/Web desk)-The Pakistan Super League (PSL) reached a historic milestone on Thursday as two new franchises — Hyderabad and Sialkot — were officially added to the league following a highly competitive bidding process.

In the first round of the auction, FKS secured the Hyderabad franchise with a record bid of Rs1.75 billion, making it the seventh team of the PSL. In the second round, OZ Group Developers acquired the Sialkot franchise for Rs1.85 billion, expanding the league to eight teams from PSL 11 onwards. Both franchises have been awarded ownership rights for a period of 10 years.

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The bidding process began with a base price of Rs1.10 billion, reflecting strong investor confidence in the league’s growth and commercial value.

At the start of the ceremony, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi awarded Rs90 million to Pakistan’s Rising Star Asia Cup-winning team, while the Hong Kong Sixes champions received prize money of Rs18.5 million.

Addressing the ceremony, Mohsin Naqvi said the PSL was not merely a cricket tournament but an emotional symbol for millions of Pakistanis. He termed the induction of new teams a historic moment for the league and thanked the new franchise owners for showing trust in the Pakistan Cricket Board and the country.

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Congratulating FKS owner Fawad Sarwar and OZ Group’s Hamza Majid, the PCB chairman said the inclusion of Hyderabad and Sialkot would further strengthen the PSL. He added that the success of the bidding process reflected the nation’s passion for cricket and confidence in Pakistan’s sporting future.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that today marks a historic moment for the Pakistan Super League. He stated that investor confidence in Pakistan is being restored and the successful PSL auction is a victory for cricket fans across the country.
Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the people of Hyderabad and Sialkot on the inclusion of their teams in the league and assured full support from the Pakistan Cricket Board over the next ten years.
He also extended congratulations to all Pakistanis, emphasizing that the PCB remains committed to strengthening the PSL and promoting cricket in the country.