PSL eighth team auctioned to OZ Group for Rs1.85bn, team to represent Sialkot

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) eighth team has been sold to OZ Group for Rs 1.85 billion, with Sialkot selected as the team’s base on Thursday evening in Islamabad. The announcement marks a significant milestone in the league’s ongoing expansion, as the PSL prepares to grow from six to eight teams ahead of its 11th edition, scheduled for 2026.

The bidding process for the PSL eighth team started at Rs1.7 billion and continued into the second round of the auction. By comparison, the PSL seventh team, owned by FKS Group and based in Hyderabad, was auctioned for Rs 1.75 billion.

An official from OZ Group expressed excitement over the acquisition, stating in an interview, “We were committed to winning the bid, and here we go.”

Sialkot, known internationally for its sporting goods industry, is expected to bring a unique identity to the league, with analysts suggesting that the inclusion of Sialkot could also spark intense regional rivalries, adding to the excitement of the upcoming season.

The PSL’s expansion reflects the PCB’s strategic vision to increase the league’s national and international footprint. With two additional teams, the league aims to attract more sponsorships, broaden its broadcast reach, and provide greater opportunities for emerging Pakistani cricket talent. Officials believe this move will solidify the PSL’s status as one of the most commercially successful T20 leagues in the world.

As preparations for the 11th edition gather momentum, fans and stakeholders alike are keenly watching how the new teams will shape the dynamics of the tournament, both on and off the field. The addition of Sialkot and Hyderabad promises not just more cricket matches but a deeper connection with communities across Pakistan, cementing the PSL’s role as a unifying force in the country’s sporting landscape.

The PCB’s organised auction was a part of the league’s planned expansion from six to eight teams ahead of the 11th edition of the PSL, scheduled for 2026. The addition of two new teams aims to broaden the league’s commercial footprint and increase its national reach.

The PCB’s organised auction was a part of the league’s planned expansion from six to eight teams ahead of the 11th edition of the PSL, scheduled for 2026. The addition of two new teams aims to broaden the league’s commercial footprint and increase its national reach.

Web Desk