ISLAMABAD – In a landmark development for Pakistan cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially announced the expansion of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) from six to eight franchises on Thursday. Following a high-stakes open auction held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, the new franchises were awarded to the cities of Hyderabad and Sialkot, marking a “historic” moment for the league’s 11th edition.
The auction, which saw ten technically qualified bidders competing, concluded with FKS Group securing the Hyderabad franchise and OZ Developers winning the bid for Sialkot. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded the move, stating that the expansion reflects the growing investor trust and the league’s global brand value. “Today is a big day for the fans in Sindh and Central Punjab. Hyderabad and Sialkot are powerhouses of talent, and they deserve to have their own teams,” Naqvi told reporters.
Sports analysts believe this expansion will provide a much-needed platform for local talent. “Adding two more teams means 40 more domestic players will get a chance to showcase their skills alongside international stars. This is how you build a nursery for the national team,” said a senior sports journalist. The 11th season is scheduled to take place between March 26 and May 3, 2026.
