Record bids as PSL auction adds Sialkot and Hyderabad franchises

Record bids as PSL auction adds Sialkot and Hyderabad franchises

PSL expands as Sialkot and Hyderabad sold in high-stakes auction. File photo

January, 8 2026

(Web Desk): The Pakistan Super League (PSL) auction adds two new franchises as record bids sealed deals for Sialkot and Hyderabad, marking a major expansion of the league.

Two new teams were added to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after an intense auction in Islamabad. OZ Developers won the Sialkot franchise with a record bid of Rs1,850,000,000, just moments after FKS secured Hyderabad for Rs1,750,000,000.

OZ Developers faced strong competition from software company i2c during the second round of bidding at the Jinnah Convention Centre. I2c’s final offer reached Rs1,820,000,000 before OZ Developers placed the highest-ever bid in PSL history.

Earlier, FKS won the first round after a bidding war with i2c, whose final bid stood at Rs1,700,000,000. The base price for the seventh PSL team was set at Rs1,100,000,000.

This will be the first time Hyderabad and Sialkot appear in the PSL since the league began in 2015. The upcoming season is scheduled from March 26 to May 3. Other cities considered for franchises included Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad and Rawalpindi.

The auction was hosted by former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram alongside PSL CEO Salman Naseer. “Ten years of PSL have lead us to this moment,” Naseer said while opening the event.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also awarded Rs90,000,000 to the Rising Star Asia Cup winning team, while the Hong Kong Sixes champions received Rs18,500,000.

Earlier in the day, former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen announced his decision to stay out of the auction. “Our time with Multan Sultans was never just about owning a cricket team. It was about south Punjab,” he wrote, adding that south Punjab “is where my heart is”.

The PSL expansion shows growing investor confidence in the league. Record bids suggest strong commercial value. New cities may bring fresh fans and energy to the tournament.