Why Sialkot? Identity Before Infrastructure
OZ Developers’ PKR 1.85 billion-per-year bid for Sialkot signals intent. The city isn’t just another dot on the map—it carries industrial prestige, export symbolism, and cultural gravity as the birthplace of Allama Iqbal (RA). Franchise owner Hamza Majeed’s message is clear: the name Sialkot is about representing Punjab’s production spine and reclaiming cricketing relevance through long-term infrastructure.
But there’s a hard truth.
The Stadium Reality
Jinnah Stadium Sialkot, in its original form, no longer exists. It has been converted into a high-performance academy under Pakistan Cricket Board control after Mohsin Naqvi assumed chairmanship. Practically speaking, Sialkot currently has no PSL-ready venue.
Result: despite being branded as Sialkot, the franchise’s operational home will be Faisalabad—at least initially.
Faisalabad Over Sialkot: Pragmatism Beats Sentiment
From a league operations perspective, Faisalabad is the correct interim choice.
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Match-ready infrastructure
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Lower upgrade timelines
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Central Punjab logistics
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Broadcast reliability
This isn’t a snub to Sialkot. It’s risk management. Hamza Majeed’s commitment to begin work on a High Performance Center in Sialkot within days—and to eventually restore a stadium—keeps the long-term promise intact. Until then, Faisalabad keeps the franchise competitive rather than symbolic.
