The new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises have sparked debate over why heavy favorites like Faisalabad and Rawalpindi were looked over for Sialkot and Hyderabad during the PSL Teams Auction on January 8.
Speaking to reporters, Sialkot co-owner Kamil Khan said the franchise selection should be viewed through the lens of infrastructure and sporting legacy.
Responding to a question on “Why Sialkot and not Faisalabad?”, Khan argued that Sialkot brings unique advantages, including its own airport, strong trade footprint through a dry port, and a long-established reputation in sports.
“Sialkot has its own airport and airplane and dry port, and a rich history in sports,” Khan said. “They were famous even before Pakistan’s existence, so they deserve a sports team.”
Supporters of Sialkot’s case also point to the city’s past success in domestic cricket, particularly the Sialkot Stallions, who became one of Pakistan’s most successful domestic T20 sides and built a reputation for consistent winning performances.
Khan said the ownership group entered the auction with a defined roadmap and ambitious targets for the years ahead. Sialkot became the PSL’s eighth franchise after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) awarded the team to OZ Developers, owned by Hamza Majeed, during an auction held at Islamabad’s Jinnah Convention Centre.
The PSL is set to expand from six to eight teams starting with the 2026 season, which is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3.