The new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise from Hyderabad has finalized its team identity, with owner Fawad Sarwar revealing that the full name and logo have already been decided and will be unveiled soon as the league heads toward its first-ever player auction.
Speaking in an interview with Express Tribune, Sarwar said the franchise is preparing a formal launch and expects the branding reveal to happen around the time of the auction.
“We’re planning a big event for the launch,” he said, adding that the name and logo are ready and only the announcement remains.
Hyderabad have already started building their off-field structure, appointing Jason Gillespie as head coach, while Craig White and Grant Bradburn will serve as assistant coaches.
On the question of captaincy, Sarwar signaled that the franchise will not hand leadership to a player simply based on reputation.
“No player, whether Pakistani or foreign, has any inherent right to leadership just because he is a big name or senior,” he said. “We have our own selection process… a captain can be anyone, the key is to be a good leader.”
Sarwar also described Babar Azam as his favorite cricketer and said he would be keen to sign him if the opportunity presents itself, while stressing that decisions will become clearer once franchises confirm their retained players.
“Of course, every team would want him,” he said. “For now, we haven’t thought about any other players. We’ll decide once we know who has been retained.”
The Hyderabad owner strongly backed the PCB’s decision to introduce an auction model for PSL 11, calling it a necessary step that aligns the league with major global sports.
“There couldn’t have been a better step,” Sarwar said, arguing that auctions reward performance more fairly and create a system where players understand they must keep delivering to improve their value. He also hinted that the franchise is considering a few direct signings, but said it was too early to share names publicly.
Sarwar, who has been involved in cricket operations in the United States as well, said his group was determined to buy a PSL team regardless of price, describing the purchase as driven by passion rather than short-term profit.
He maintained that sports franchises should be viewed as long-term assets that grow in value over time, adding that his group’s existing cricket operations allow them to run the PSL team without financial pressure.
Sarwar also said he chose the Hyderabad identity due to personal roots, and revealed the franchise has already discussed upgrading Niaz Stadium, with assurances of support from the PCB.
“I’m originally from Hyderabad… when I learned we could name the team after any city, I immediately decided on Hyderabad,” he said, adding that work on improving the venue is expected to begin soon.
Source: Express Tribune
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