What Sialkot Is Targeting
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Leadership from Australians (6–7 names already contacted)
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3–4 overseas players, not retirees
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Local Sialkot talent on merit
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Preference for Pakistani national players
Coaching will prioritize local expertise first, with foreign specialists only if gaps remain.
Captaincy Question: Why Rizwan Isn’t a Natural Fit
The elephant in the room is Mohammad Rizwan.
Despite his stature, there is visible resistance—both stylistic and strategic—to making him the face of a brand-new franchise:
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Conservative on-field tempo
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Limited commercial upside for a “new era” team
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Sialkot ownership leaning toward a fresh leadership narrative, possibly foreign
This isn’t personal. It’s branding plus cricket philosophy. Expect a captain who signals change, not continuity.
Auction vs Retention: Fans Want Transparency
Islamabad United’s public stance—pushing for an auction—captures a wider fan sentiment: clarity over comfort. Auctions are louder, fairer, and easier to defend publicly. Retentions, while practical, must be capped tightly to avoid credibility erosion.
Ultimately, the PCB decides—but legitimacy matters more than unanimity.
What This Expansion Really Means
The combined annual fees paid by Sialkot and Hyderabad exceed what Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar pay together. That alone reframes the league’s valuation. More importantly:
