The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is at an inflection point. With expansion confirmed for HBL PSL 11, the Pakistan Super League is set to grow from six to eight teams—bringing Faisalabad and Sialkot into sharp focus. The Pakistan Cricket Board has now unveiled the first three qualified bidders for the new franchises, triggering debate not just about money—but about stewardship, legacy, and competence.
110 Crore is the Base Price for Round 1
FKS bought Hybderabad Falcons for 175 Million PKR out of the six city names. The will pay for 10 years.
FKS Group is a diversified conglomerate from Southeast Asia with core interests spanning food and agriculture, infrastructure, and real estate. It is widely recognized for its extensive distribution footprint in Indonesia and has recently entered the sports business spotlight through the Pakistan Super League (PSL) auction, where its affiliate, Kingsmen Group, secured ownership of a new franchise based in Hyderabad. The group holds a strong position in agribusiness—particularly in soybeans—and has steadily broadened its portfolio into property development and logistics via platforms such as FKS Food and Agri and FKS Land. Kingsmen FKS has regularly entered teams in departmental tournaments over the past several years, even bringing in former Pakistan head coach Grant Bradburn for one season. Their growing ambition to secure a presence in the PSL was clear from the way they steadily increased their bids over time.
170 Crore is the Base Price for Round 2.
OZ Developers won with 185 Crore out of the 5 city names. He is friends with Hamza Shahbaz and Shahid Khan Afridi. He chose Sialkot Shaheens.
The Confirmed Bidders (So Far)
Out of 12 global expressions of interest, ten entities have cleared technical evaluation and will contest the January 8 auction in Islamabad for 10-year ownership rights:
Total 10 bidders will enter in an auction for 2 PSL franchises on Thursday afternoon in Islamabad.
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Inverex Solar Energy: A renewable energy leader driving Pakistan’s shift towards solar power and clean mobility. Zakir Ali, the owner of popular solar inverter manufacturing company is leading the process.
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OZ Group of Companies: A real estate developer shaping modern residential and commercial spaces spearheaded by Mr. Hamza Majeed of OZ Group of Companies enters the mix as the second confirmed bidder ahead of HBL PSL Teams Auction
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VGO TEL Mobile: A homegrown mobile technology brand focused on affordable devices and local manufacturing represented by CEO VGO TEL, Mr. Naveed Gaba
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Jazz Pakistan Pakistan’s largest digital telecom, powering connectivity, fintech and the country’s data future with net worth PKR 159 billion (US$550 million) has officially qualified for the HBL PSL New Franchise Auction.
- Tareen Group or Ali Tareen Group is from his Gotiki Dherki Sugarmills (DSM) in Ghotki Sindh, a diversified Pakistani conglomerate with deep roots in agribusiness and strategic investments, with ~$1.5-2B (estimated) Net Worth DSM confirmed as Bidder 05 out of 10 for the HBL PSL Teams Auction.
- i2c with Revenue $210M: CEO Amir Wain leads a global fintech powerhouse building the rails for digital banking, payments and card solutions worldwide
- Walee Tech: CEO Ahsan Tahir, a technology-led media and fintech group redefining digital marketing and data-driven growth.
- Prism Developers: Mr. Masood Alvi, a property development firm focused on urban growth and planned communities + Exchange ON
- Kingsmen Group (Winner Hyderabad): A diversified investment group operating across multiple high-growth sectors.
- Aim Next Inc: Mr. Umar Muhstaq & Ali Mushtaq, a technology and innovation company focused on future-ready digital solutions.Note: Daharaki withdrew.
This shortlist matters. It sets the tone for what kind of owners the PSL wants: operators with financial muscle, governance readiness, and brand stamina.
“One Team Will Be From Sialkot”
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been categorical:
“We will auction two teams this year. We will ensure that one of the team is from Sialkot.”
Sialkot isn’t just another city. It’s Pakistan’s export engine—home to global sports manufacturing, private infrastructure (including the Sialkot International Airport), and a cricketing culture that has produced world-class talent. If any city deserves competent, locally rooted ownership, it’s Sialkot.
