Hyderabad and Sialkot have officially joined the Pakistan Super League, marking a historic expansion that takes the flagship T20 league to eight teams.
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has attained a crucial milestone ahead of its forthcoming 11th season in 2026. Hyderabad and Sialkot have officially joined as the seventh and eighth teams, bringing the total to eight.
The announcement came after a very competitive expansion auction at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad that got a lot of attention from both cricket fans and investors.
Auction Results: Record Bids for New Franchises
During the bidding process, the FKS Group secured the Hyderabad franchise with a winning bid of PKR 1.75 billion, signaling strong confidence in the new team’s commercial potential.
Shortly after, OZ Developers emerged as the top bidder for the Sialkot franchise, paying PKR 1.85 billion—the highest price for a new PSL team to date.
The intense auction underscored the league’s growing value and investor interest in Pakistan’s premier T20 competition.
PSL’s Second Major Expansion in History
This expansion marks only the second time the PSL has increased its number of franchises since the addition of the Multan Sultans in Season 3.
The move to eight teams is part of the PCB’s strategic vision to broaden the league’s reach, enhance competition, and mirror the global trend of larger, more commercially vibrant T20 leagues.
Keep on Reading:
We anticipate the 2026 season, which runs from March 26 to May 3, to be the most competitive yet.
New Cities, New Fanbases
The inclusion of Hyderabad and Sialkot brings fresh regional enthusiasm to the PSL.
Hyderabad’s franchise is considered a boost for cricket development in Sindh, while Sialkot—known for its rich sporting heritage and cricketing talent—adds another passionate fan base to the league.
We expect both cities to contribute their unique identities and strong local support to the tournament.
Broadcaster & Global Interest
The expansion auction drew bids not only from local companies but also from international investors, reflecting the PSL’s rising global profile.
The event was streamed live across multiple platforms, including official PSL and PCB digital channels, highlighting the league’s international appeal.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for PSL 11
With eight teams now confirmed, the 11th edition of the PSL promises more matches, increased competition, and greater opportunities for emerging players.
We expect the expanded league format to enhance fan engagement, attract more sponsorships, and elevate the tournament’s status on the global cricketing stage. (The News Pakistan)