Pakistan Super League (PSL) Announces Expansion — Two New Teams Added: Sialkot & Hyderabad
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is gearing up for its most significant expansion in more than a decade as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the addition of two brand-new franchises for the 2026 season (PSL 11). For the first time in league history, the competition will grow from six teams to eight, with Sialkot and Hyderabad officially joining Pakistan’s premier Twenty20 cricket tournament.
This development marks a major milestone for PSL as it continues to strengthen its status as one of the world’s top T20 leagues, boosting regional representation, fan engagement, and commercial growth across Pakistan and beyond.
PSL Expansion: A Historic Move
Since its inception in 2016, the PSL has steadily evolved. Originally launched with just five teams, the league expanded to six franchises with the introduction of the Multan Sultans in 2018. Now, PSL 11 will feature eight teams, making it the largest PSL edition in the league’s history.
This expansion is part of PCB’s long-term strategy to broaden the league’s footprint, increase domestic participation, and create more opportunities for players, sponsors, and fans alike.
New PSL Franchises: Sialkot & Hyderabad Confirmed
On January 8, 2026, the PSL expansion auction was held at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad. The event drew intense interest from investors, with multiple bidders competing for the newly available franchises.
Hyderabad Franchise
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Won by FKS Group for an impressive bid of Rs1.75 billion.
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Hyderabad secured its place as one of the new teams joining the league in PSL 2026.
Sialkot Franchise
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Announced as the 8th PSL team, reportedly secured with a substantial investment by Oz Developers at around Rs1.85 billion.
These additions bring fresh energy and geographic diversity to the league, representing Punjab (Sialkot) and Sindh (Hyderabad) regions in the PSL structure.
Why Sialkot & Hyderabad Matter
Sialkot
Sialkot has long been known as a sports manufacturing hub, producing cricket gear used around the world. The city has a rich sporting culture and an enthusiastic fan base that has supported domestic cricket for years. Including a PSL team from Sialkot gives a significant cricket market its own franchise, potentially sparking higher local engagement and stadium attendance.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad’s inclusion confirms the league’s commitment to expanding beyond traditional PSL cities. With historic ties to cricket in Sindh and growing fan interest, the new franchise is expected to boost regional support and create fresh rivalries within the league.
What This Means for PSL 2026
Eight-Team Format
The inclusion of Sialkot and Hyderabad brings the total number of franchises to eight for the 2026 season (PSL 11). This format is expected to generate exciting new matchups and a more competitive league structure.
Increased Opportunities
More franchises mean:
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More playing opportunities for domestic and international talent
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Expanded fan base across more regions
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More commercial and sponsorship potential
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Broader media and broadcast interest
PSL Growth & Commercial Impact
The process of expanding the PSL began months ago, with the PCB inviting bids from interested parties and drawing global attention. Cities like Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, along with Hyderabad and Sialkot, were shortlisted as potential franchise locations.
After receiving valuation reports and completing negotiations with prospective investors, the auctions confirmed two new teams, pushing forward the most substantial structural change in the PSL since its inception.
Cricket fans have shared mixed reactions online, with many welcoming the expansion as a sign of PSL’s growing influence, while others have raised questions about logistics like stadium readiness and player distribution. Some social media discussions emphasize the passion for regional teams like Sialkot, reflecting deep local support for cricket in their communities.
Overall, the sentiment leans positive, with excitement building around fresh rivalries and a more diverse league structure for the upcoming PSL season.
Looking Ahead: PSL 2026
The PSL 2026 season (PSL 11) is set to be one of the most exciting editions yet, with:
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Eight franchise teams
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A more competitive structure
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A bigger fan engagement footprint
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New home cities and support bases
This expansion underscores PSL’s rapid growth and the Pakistan Cricket Board’s commitment to enhancing the league’s appeal both domestically and internationally.
Stay tuned for further updates on team names, player drafts, schedules, and venues as PSL 2026 draws closer.