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Key Takeaways
- 1📊 Hyderabad sold for PKR 1.75B, Sialkot for record PKR 1.85B
- 2🏆 PSL expands from six to eight franchises after 10 seasons
- 3💡 Strong bids show rising commercial faith in Pakistan’s T20 league
- 4🔮 New teams could spark fresh rivalries and reshape PSL auctions
"FKS acquired the Hyderabad franchise for PKR 1.75 billion (USD 6.2 million), while OZ Developers secured Sialkot for PKR 1.85 billion (USD 6.55 million), the highest franchise fee in PSL history"
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has entered a new money era with Hyderabad and Sialkot joining as the seventh and eighth franchises, both snapped up for record-breaking sums that signal booming confidence in Pakistan’s T20 product.
Hyderabad, Sialkot deals reset PSL franchise market
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the league will now feature eight teams, with the new entrants lining up alongside Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators after 10 completed seasons.
At Thursday’s auction, US-based aviation and healthcare group FKS secured the Hyderabad franchise for a staggering PKR 1.75 billion, while real estate consortium OZ Developers went even higher, picking up Sialkot for PKR 1.85 billion, the highest franchise fee in PSL history.
The PCB’s base price of PKR 1.1 billion was rapidly blown away as bids climbed, reflecting both intense competition and the perceived commercial upside of tapping into two passionate cricket regions. FKS CEO Fawad Sarwar held his nerve to close the Hyderabad deal at 1.75 billion, while OZ Developers signalled serious long-term intent with their record Sialkot outlay.
For Indian fans tracking franchise cricket economics, these numbers are still well short of IPL levels, but they underline how the PSL is aggressively growing its footprint. The real test now shifts to the park: can Hyderabad and Sialkot build competitive squads quickly enough to justify those cheques and ignite new rivalries in an already fiery league?
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